Hey everyone! I'm in my final year of studying computer science, and honestly, web development is something I've only started tackling seriously in my third year. Currently, I'm trying to build my own projects, the latest being a simulation of a mailing system where I create my own TCP server. However, I'm struggling a bit with setting up the project structure, and I'm wondering if that's something others also grapple with. To help me out, I've been using an AI tool to generate a project structure and give me ideas on what code to write in different files. From that point, I attempt to write the code myself, but when I hit roadblocks with packages or functions, I usually end up Googling them or asking the AI again.
I can't shake the feeling that this approach means I won't truly become a 'developer' since I'm relying on AI for project structure and guidance on what code to write. I'd love to hear any advice on how I can learn to do this better and improve my skills. I've been engaging with web development for almost a year now, but it's only been a few months that I've focused heavily on backend development.
5 Answers
Have you worked on any projects without AI assistance? Maybe start with something simple, like a personal resume website, to get your feet wet without relying on tools. It might help build your confidence!
Great questions! When it comes to project structure, it’s often more ambiguous than you'd think. Starting with the default settings from a framework can be beneficial. Observe when the setup feels off and consider how you might improve it. This trial-and-error approach will help you learn and develop your workflow over time. Also, try thinking through your coding challenges before looking for answers—this can enhance your problem-solving skills!
Thanks a lot for that! I’ll definitely try the thought process approach—you’ve given me some good ideas.
Repetition is key! You really have to dive into coding regularly to start mastering it. Remember, programming is more of a craft, so the more you practice, the more skilled you'll become. Don't stress too much about the project structure—there's no absolute right or wrong way to do it, and different languages or frameworks can have their quirks.
Awesome advice, thanks! I'm really trying to keep learning and not give up.
Totally normal to feel like this! When you're new, it’s common to struggle with starting and organizing projects. AI tools can definitely help kick things off. I found it useful to work on various projects more frequently—as practice helps solidify concepts and improve your development flow. Just keep experimenting and adapting as you learn.
Don't worry; this is actually a common hurdle many face! It seems you're just at that early stage of learning where you'll start to develop your own mental models for structuring projects. Using AI for structure is okay, but also spend some time thinking about the files you'll need before turning to it. It'll help you understand the foundations better, which is crucial for growth.
I did manage a small project on my own recently. I used some AI for guidance but did most of the coding solo. I can handle simpler stuff using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, but bigger projects still challenge me.