I've mostly been using Next.js, but I find GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT really handy when it comes to writing vanilla JavaScript. They handle a lot of the code for me, which is great! The only time I really write code myself is when I'm working with JS libraries since the AI sometimes makes mistakes there. I'm wondering if I should still focus on learning the fundamentals of vanilla JS, or if relying on AI is the way of the future. Is it practical to let AI handle tasks like menu displays, animations, regex, API calls, and bug fixes? Am I missing out on essential knowledge if I don't go back to the basics? What do you all think?
5 Answers
Sure, AI can help a lot, but it can also mess up, especially in complex code. It's essential to know the basics so you can understand what the AI is doing, that way, you're not lost if something goes wrong.
Just because AI can do these tasks doesn't mean it's always doing them well. If you lack the fundamentals, you risk getting into trouble when AI-generated code has issues. Learn the basics to avoid putting yourself in a tough spot later on.
AI is great for boilerplate and common coding tasks, but if you don’t understand the code it generates, you won’t be able to troubleshoot or adapt when things change. Learn enough to review AI's work, and then let it cover the repetitive stuff for you!
Remember, AI should complement your skills, not replace them. Mastering the fundamentals is crucial; relying solely on AI might lead to pain points in your projects.
You can get by on a few quick projects without diving deep into the fundamentals, but eventually, you'll hit a wall where you need that foundational knowledge. If you have the time, it's worth learning the basics. It'll really boost your skills in the long run!
Totally agree! Getting that solid foundation will save you a lot of headaches later.
Exactly! Relying too much on AI can create problems down the line. Basics are key!