Hey everyone! I just graduated and started my job as a fullstack junior web developer a month ago. In school, I wasn't allowed to use AI, so I had to really grasp the coding concepts to pass. But now that I'm working, I have access to some incredible AI coding tools. Honestly, I find myself relying on them more than I'd like – I mainly write prompts and let the AI generate the code. It feels like the AI is a far better coder than I am, and this has led to some major imposter syndrome for me.
I miss the satisfaction of coding myself, but it seems unnecessary to write every line when these tools can do it quickly. However, I know I still need to learn and grow. I'm looking for some advice on how to shift my mindset and what skills I should focus on developing, especially since I can just ask AI for help when I get stuck. Any thoughts?
3 Answers
I'm a senior developer and I think it's crucial for you to continue building your skills. AI tools can help, but they're not perfect. They're limited in perspective and can miss business nuances. You shouldn't compare your learning journey to an AI's output. Use those tools to enhance your understanding, not replace it. Think of AI like a calculator – it can assist, but you still need to know how to solve the problem yourself!
You're definitely not alone in feeling this way! Remember, even in your early days, everyone else was better than you at some point, so don't let that stop you from learning. Instead of comparing yourself to AI, focus on understanding the code it generates. You can use it to explain concepts too, just like you mentioned with the 'explain like I'm five' prompts. That’ll help you pick up the basics quickly!
Absolutely! Learning how to troubleshoot and comprehend the code is key. It really is about being thoughtful in your approach to coding, whether it’s with or without AI.
You’re putting blinders on by only thinking about what AI can code. A solid developer knows how to leverage these tools but also recognizes their limitations. If you ask AI for something complex, it might struggle. You’re still the one responsible for the final product, so keep honing your coding skills and experimenting on your own!
Exactly! It’s about balance. Use AI to assist, but make sure you’re still learning and growing your own skill set.
That’s such a good analogy! Just like you wouldn't solely rely on a calculator for math, you shouldn't solely rely on AI for coding.