Hey everyone! I'm a novice Python programmer with about three months of consistent practice under my belt. I'm curious about the possibilities of using GitHub Copilot to teach myself coding concepts alongside my learning. I've grasped the basics and some intermediate Python concepts, like functions, lists, dictionaries, and modules. I can write basic scripts, mostly for file management. My main question is, can I rely on Copilot? Specifically, can I ask it to write scripts and then explain the code to me in detail so I understand what's going on and why? I've checked its suggestions against multiple sources, and it usually checks out, which makes me wonder if I could just use it and skip traditional methods like doing Google searches. Of course, I know nothing beats human interaction and printed resources, but I'm intrigued by the efficiency of AI.
4 Answers
I tried Copilot but found it a bit too bossy! The first time, it basically did all the coding for me, which I didn't like. While you can definitely learn a thing or two from it, I suspect you might get more out of coding on your own terms.
If you're looking for a solid textbook, I recommend "Confident Coding" by Rob Percival. It covers HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python in a comprehensive way and offers practical exercises to boost your skills. You might want to check if your library has it!
In my opinion, using Copilot is great after you've put in some groundwork. It can help you understand certain aspects, but becoming too reliant on it might hinder your critical thinking skills. It's usually better to familiarize yourself with the concepts on your own before jumping into Copilot. Learning thoroughly will help the knowledge stick.
I think it ultimately depends on your learning style. Those who have grown up with AI might find it useful, while others, like me, learned the old-fashioned way and swear by traditional resources. Give it a shot and keep us updated on how it goes!
Thanks for the recommendation! I really appreciate when people share good resources. It seems like sometimes in communities like this, some forget beginners need guidance too. So, thank you for that!