I'm planning to tackle my first coding project from scratch, and I want to do it entirely on my own without relying on AI tools. I understand that it might be a long and challenging process, but I'm determined to learn and grasp every line of code I write. I do intend to use AI for minor tasks like grammar checks and basic bug detection, but I want to keep that to a minimum. I'm reaching out for advice: For those of you who learned to code before the rise of AI, how did you handle obstacles when you faced topics you weren't familiar with? What steps did you take in planning and executing your first project? Where did you seek help when you got stuck? And for current developers, how helpful do you think AI is in terms of learning? At what point does it become too much assistance? I would love to hear your experiences, stories, and any insights you might have. Thanks for your time!
6 Answers
We used to learn by trial and error, experimenting with code and figuring things out as we went. Back in my day, resources were limited, so playing around and trying things was key. Now you have access to Google and tons of online documentation; use them to your advantage!
I recommend avoiding AI for bug detection; your best learning happens when you solve problems on your own. That’s how you really grasp the concepts and improve your skills.
I'd say don’t discard what you’ve already learned. People often say to start over, but that can be a mistake. Use what you know and just keep building. It’s all about the journey and the incremental improvements you make along the way, so embrace what you’ve done and expand from there!
In my experience, learning too much with AI as a crutch can leave gaps in your understanding. Sure, it's handy for quick fixes or ideas, but for actual coding, it’s essential to tackle challenges head-on. I personally use AI for brainstorming and discussing optimizations—keeps my ideas fresh without handing over coding tasks completely.
Start with small steps; a basic "hello world" project is always my go-to. From there, you can gradually add new features. If you’re not sure how to do something, just look it up! Learning is a continuous process, and that’s part of the fun. Concentrate on building your project piece by piece instead of getting overwhelmed.
AI is a fantastic tool for debugging, but I wouldn't rely on it for learning code. I think it’s too much help when you start using it to generate code without understanding it. I learned things the hard way by exploring and trying different approaches. If you're just starting out, languages like Python and JavaScript are great picks. And remember, start simple! Completing small projects helps build motivation and confidence.
When I hit a wall, I usually check out Stack Overflow or coding forums. Breaking down problems and tackling them step-by-step can feel empowering!
Totally agree! I also think VS Code is a great tool to get started with.