As someone currently enrolled in a challenging full stack web development bootcamp, I've had some great experiences, but it's not been easy! I've gained a solid foundation that I can enhance with free resources like Odin and Full Stack Open. However, I'm still learning in a traditional way—really grinding through to master React, JavaScript, and TypeScript while building my own small apps. It's tough!
With the rise of AI tools, it seems like a lot of people are moving toward 'vibe coding' where they rely heavily on AI to generate code. I often get sidetracked trying to develop apps using these tools, and I frequently find myself stuck on core issues, sometimes even before getting to the advanced stuff. I'm left wondering—are those who vibe-code just bluffing? While it's possible to quickly produce apps with AI assistance, I fear many are building on shaky foundations, leading to difficulties with future updates and understanding their own code. So, am I doing it wrong by sticking to the traditional ways of learning before diving into vibe coding? How have you adapted your learning methods with the advances in AI?
4 Answers
You’re on the right track with learning the traditional way first! While vibe coding might seem appealing for quick results, it really bypasses the essential learning experience. Realistically, anyone can throw together a simple app with AI, but that’s not sustainable. You should still develop the skill to read and comprehend code, which will pay off in the long run. Trying out AI tools can be fun, but don’t get caught thinking it's a shortcut—there's no substitute for building a solid skill set!
Couldn’t agree more! It’s all about building up that knowledge before jumping into the quick fixes.
I get what you're saying! I’ve mostly stuck to my roots, using videos and documentation to refine my skills. I think having a solid foundation is crucial to leverage AI correctly. In my work, I often incorporate AI tools which helps me apply what I’ve learned. Understanding the basics really makes using AI way easier.
My technique is pretty straightforward:
- I plan everything out first.
- I set up my codebase based on my style and create all necessary files to have a solid start.
- When adding new features, I share my ideas with the AI, get its plan, and verify it before letting the AI generate code.
This way, I can understand and maintain the code without hassle since the AI starts to recognize my coding style and patterns!
AI tools are like advanced autocompleters, and I think vibe coding can be quite reckless. You really need a solid understanding of the core concepts behind web development, rather than just memorizing syntax. You can't rely on AI for everything, or you miss out on the real learning. I've changed my habits a bit, using AI to find the right terms or when I can describe a concept but forget its name. But overall, I still emphasize understanding the fundamentals. Oh, and more care with documentation is a must—there's so much AI-generated noise out there now that critical thinking has become even more essential. And don’t doubt your old-school methods; they're still very valuable!
Exactly! Learning the foundations is crucial; without it, you can’t fully grasp what you’re doing with those AI tools.