I've been struggling lately with maintaining my coding skills in data structures and algorithms. I used to be pretty good at it, but now, whenever I try to build a feature in my projects, I feel like I can't think straight and rely too much on AI for help. I'm looking for suggestions on how to boost my confidence and improve my logical thinking without depending on AI.
3 Answers
Try adopting a "reps" mindset! Just like working out, you can't expect to get fit by doing an exercise once. After you complete a coding exercise, start fresh with a completely new problem and tackle it again. Repeat this process throughout the day and even the next day. Each time, you’ll encounter new challenges, but with practice, it’ll get easier and you’ll really start to grasp the concepts.
I think if you want to enjoy coding as a hobby, steer clear of AI. However, if you're thinking about a long-term career, learning how to work alongside AI could be beneficial. Just be aware that the market is changing, and there may be more demand for overseeing AI-generated code than writing it yourself in the near future.
Honestly, you might want to cut back on using AI. Relying on it too much can stall your learning. Instead, focus on practicing coding regularly. Just dive in and code without assistance—it'll help you get back into the groove.

But it's gonna be tough for beginners to lead if they don’t have hands-on experience coding themselves!