I'm in my second year of college and feel like I'm not learning as much as I should. Last year, I did well in my algorithm classes and even wrote some code in C, but I struggled with the Python OOP class since it was very basic. Recently, I was tasked with creating an RPG game using Pygame which was a new library for me, and I ended up relying heavily on AI for coding my projects. This trend continued when I had to build a full stack app in C# and Angular, which I understood fully thanks to AI. However, when I tried to code on my own, I found myself lost and unsure of where to begin. I realize I can only code when I'm given clear instructions. So, I'm wondering how I can relearn programming effectively? Should I start from scratch? I genuinely enjoy coding and want to pursue a career in development, but I don't want to be incompetent by the time I graduate. Any advice would be really appreciated!
4 Answers
You might want to revisit the basics on your own. Consider starting from the point where you began using AI. Go through Pygame documentation, tutorials, and examples – dive deep into the material by doing things step by step.
Learning to code isn't going to be a straight path. You have to be okay with the fact that you'll hit obstacles along the way. Don't just read about coding; actually try things out. Make mistakes and learn why things don't work. That's how you'll understand programming better! AI can make things easier, but it can also short-circuit your learning.
It’s crucial to practice coding a lot, even if it gets messy. Begin by redoing some of your previous projects without AI. Try tackling small challenges and slowly increasing their complexity over time. You might also use AI to clarify concepts, but keep it out of the actual coding process.
You really need to stop depending on AI for coding. Just dive in and write code yourself! If you find yourself stumped, just start trying things out. Experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them. The more you code without AI, the better you'll get at figuring out what you need to do next.
Thanks for the tip! I think practicing by myself with previous projects sounds like a great way to go.