I'm currently working on modeling a database structure for notifications and realized I'm struggling with some aspects. To help me out, I turned to Claude, and it actually provided a pretty solid model that included details I hadn't considered before. However, I feel guilty for not brainstorming enough by myself and I'm concerned that relying on AI might prevent me from truly understanding and retaining the knowledge needed for complex schema modeling in the future.
I know that before AI, developers faced similar challenges and would typically turn to Google or ask seniors for help. In my case, I'm pressed for time as I balance developing features while also working on the notification schema, which is quite challenging for me. I initially researched on my own, but felt it wasn't sufficient, leading me to ask AI for assistance.
Using AI seems like a quick solution from a development standpoint, but I'm worried it might make me feel less capable overall, and I really hate that feeling. What can I do to avoid this dependency? When you're stuck and there's no senior to consult, what alternatives do you have? Most importantly, how can I maximize my learning in this situation?
5 Answers
Before AI, we spent weeks in meetings with whiteboards, brainstorming ideas until a consensus was reached. We even spent months gathering requirements. And honestly, we’re still doing that today, just sometimes faster with AI mixed in. But let’s be real, that AI-generated code often leads to surprises that aren’t quite what we expected!
I've been in a similar boat while working on my project. I ask AI for help with code structure and API design; it feels like having a buddy to brainstorm with. I keep our conversations high-level to avoid revealing too much. But honestly, I'm a bit anxious about not creating enough of my own ideas. Sometimes the AI suggests great stuff I wouldn't have thought of, which makes me wonder if I really could’ve come up with it just by digging deeper into the problem.
Honestly, it's often easier and quicker to just Google it or hit up StackOverflow. AI has its place, but sometimes a good old search can yield better results. Plus, you've got a whole community out there!
Take a breath and don’t rush yourself. It’s all too easy to justify cutting corners because you’re pressed for time, but you really shouldn’t! Focus on doing the necessary work at a speed that’s comfortable for you, and try to tune out any external pressures.
I get where you're coming from! I use AI more for coding principles than actual code. Sure, it can sometimes be confusing, but it’s great for grasping concepts. Just don’t just copy and paste what it gives you. Take the time to understand how the code works and rewrite it in your style. That way, you’re learning rather than just being lazy about it!
Right? It feels like we’ve just sped up the process of finding out that AI code can lead to unexpected results!