I'm 16 and currently in high school, and programming has always been a fun hobby for me. The thrill of building things and solving problems really draws me in. Right now, I'm developing SaaS products using tools like Cursor, Claudecode, and Bolt, but I feel like my understanding of JavaScript is pretty shaky, thanks to my informal learning approach. I'm wondering if dedicating a few hours each day to Boot.dev would help me learn the fundamentals of computer science. I love the process of debugging and want to be able to tackle issues in my projects without relying on AI solutions. I find myself getting a bit frustrated with how AI can solve problems in seconds, and I miss the challenge of figuring it out on my own. So, is it worth my time and money to focus on learning these fundamentals for the sake of personal growth and enjoyment in coding?
5 Answers
It really depends on what you want out of coding. If your goal is to deeply understand the craft and not just whip up projects quickly, then yes, spending time learning the fundamentals is crucial. AI tools can help, but they often require some oversight, and understanding the complexities of code will give you the skills needed to manage that.
Totally agree! Plus, getting hands-on with the challenges can be way more rewarding.
You seem to be aware of what makes you happy when it comes to coding. Follow that instinct! It's not necessary to spend a lot on bootcamps if you have the motivation. Just dive into what you enjoy and learn as you go. It sounds like you're already ahead of many others, so keep pushing yourself and solving problems on your own time!
Try to strike a balance. While it's nice to know how to instruct AI for efficiency, doing coding for fun can help reinforce your skills. There’s value in enjoying the process without a strict purpose. Focus on what excites you about coding!
Absolutely! Learning how to code properly without relying on AI will make you a stronger programmer. It's great that you enjoy problem-solving and debugging; those are fundamental skills you should definitely develop. Boot.dev could provide you with a good foundation to build on your current experience.
Learning programming fundamentals is super important. If you don't understand how everything works, relying too much on AI could hinder your growth. Consider keeping a notebook for your lessons and practice coding on your own to build your skills.
Exactly! Writing things down helps solidify your understanding.
And you'll find that coding becomes more intuitive as you practice.
Exactly! Knowing the basics means you can guide those tools effectively and get the best results.