I'm completely new to programming, aside from a tiny bit of C# experience, and I'm trying to learn Python. So far I've used an AI assistant to generate small projects for school, including a JSON-based flashcard app and a task manager with a locally integrated language model. I've mostly installed the generated code and made small tweaks, but I don't really understand how the code works yet.
I'm starting to recognize some basic Python concepts, but I want to build real understanding instead of relying on copy-and-paste solutions. My long-term idea is to create a program that tracks school subjects, grades, weak areas, and progress over time, displays the results in line graphs, and uses a local AI model to interpret the data and provide personalized study advice. Is that a realistic project, and what learning approach would help me get there?
4 Answers
While learning the fundamentals, avoid having AI write your solutions for you. Treat Python like a school subject: learn the concepts, complete hands-on exercises, and build small projects where you are the one designing the solution. AI-generated code can hide the most important part of programming—the process of breaking a problem into smaller steps.
You don’t necessarily have to remove AI from your workflow completely, but change how you use it. Try asking for explanations, hints, debugging feedback, or questions about your own code instead of complete solutions. For every unfamiliar line, make sure you can explain its purpose and test what happens when you change it. However, don’t depend on memorizing generated snippets—practice designing the steps yourself, since that is the core programming skill.
A structured beginner course is probably the best starting point. The University of Helsinki’s free Python Programming MOOC has explanations, exercises, feedback, and example solutions. After that, you could look at introductory data science or computer science courses once your Python foundation is solid. Doing the exercises yourself is much more valuable than simply watching lectures.
Thanks for the detailed recommendations. I’ll check out the course and work through the exercises to build a proper foundation.
Automate the Boring Stuff with Python is another approachable resource for learning the basics through practical examples. Short practice sites such as CodingBat and Exercism can also help you get comfortable with syntax and problem-solving. Focus on regular practice rather than trying to finish a large application immediately.
Would using AI to review my code and point out improvements—without rewriting it—be a reasonable way to use it while I’m learning?