I'm a second-year undergraduate student facing some pressure as I prepare for an internship coming up in my next semester. I feel like I have some mental hurdles I'm struggling with, and I'm not sure if they're serious or just my mind playing games.
I'm aware of popular AI tools like Gemini and ChatGPT, and as a computer science student, I understand the importance of mastering the basics. My lecturers always emphasize the need to market myself—through projects, contributions, and a strong LinkedIn profile. However, I notice some of my friends using AI for their projects and to boost their online presence.
I'm keen on genuinely learning the material and completing projects without over-relying on AI assistance. Time is short, and I wonder whether I should just lean on AI for coding tasks or invest my effort into learning the fundamentals properly. What do you think I should do?
3 Answers
If you genuinely care about what you're learning, I wouldn't advise relying heavily on AI. It's essential to understand the concepts yourself and build a strong foundation. AI can be a helpful tool, but you shouldn't let it do the work for you.
If you're trying to learn a new skill, use AI tools sparingly. Think about how you'd advise someone learning English—maybe start with the basics while using tools like ChatGPT and Google Translate later on to refine your skills. Focus on learning grammar and vocabulary first, then let AI assist you as a supplementary tool.
That makes sense! So, focusing on practice first is key, right?
At tech conferences, many speakers stress that while AI is helpful, you really should write your code yourself. Learning to code is a skill that takes time and practice, and while AI can assist with smaller tasks, real production-level code needs your personal touch and understanding. Start building your skills and experience without following the crowd too much—focus on core features and the architecture yourself.
Thanks for the insight! I'm currently learning Java and Python, what other suggestions do you have for strengthening my coding skills?
Can you elaborate on what you mean by that? Are you saying I shouldn't use AI at all?