I've been trying to learn programming without relying on AI tools, but I'm starting to question if that's too extreme. Recently, I was debugging a library by reading documentation and watching tutorials. I realized that a chatbot might have given me the answer quickly and explained it. I've heard that the process of struggling with concepts and syntax is crucial to learning, but is it wise to completely avoid AI support while I'm learning?
1 Answer
I don't think you should view learning as an either/or situation. For the junior developers I mentor, I recommend trying to solve a problem on your own for about 30-40 minutes before seeking help, whether that's from a person or an AI. It's important not to rely on assistance for every single issue, but also not to beat your head against a wall for hours if you're stuck. If you’ve given it a fair shot and still can't find a solution, asking the AI for hints can be really beneficial. Use it to test theories and make your own adjustments!
Totally agree! It's all about balance. AI can speed up your learning as long as you understand the basics first.