I just graduated with a Computer Engineering degree, and during my studies, I worked on a few projects, including a sorting algorithm visualizer and a Flappy Bird clone. Now I've been working as a full-stack developer for about six months, heavily relying on AI for coding. I recently had an interview where I realized I couldn't recall basic HTML, CSS, or JavaScript. I also feel stuck because the tech stack we use is outdated, and there's no one to mentor me since there are only two juniors in my company. I've started a new LinkedIn job scraping project but still depend on AI for coding. I worry that I'm not learning anything and I feel lost. Should I start reading books on topics like scalable designs and programming principles, continue making projects with or without AI, or move to a completely different aspect like database or distributed systems engineering? The job market is tough, and my last interview left me feeling like an imposter.
4 Answers
I totally get what you're saying about AI saving time, but you may be missing out on crucial learning opportunities. A good approach is to work through your projects without AI, making mistakes and figuring things out yourself. You'll learn more from your errors than just getting quick fixes from an AI.
You're using AI the wrong way if you're just letting it write code for you! Try asking it to review your code instead. Request feedback on design principles, security, and bugs after you've written something yourself. This way, you're still coding and getting guidance without losing that critical learning aspect.
Definitely ask the AI to explain concepts and code in detail if you're struggling to understand. Remember that much of development involves reading and researching. Even seasoned pros, including myself, constantly learn new things. Focus on the fundamentals, and you’ll find your footing again.
It might be time to step back from AI for your projects. It sounds like you're starting to rely on it too much, which can hold back your learning. Use what you know and push yourself to write code without AI helping out. Think of it like going to the gym—if you let someone else do the heavy lifting, you won't build those important skills you need for growth.
Yeah, it's like hiring someone to get in shape for you. You won't see any real improvement unless you do the hard work yourself!