What Are the Best Platforms to Practice Coding Without Relying on AI?

It's really important to think about what you actually want to do with coding. Instead of just grinding through LeetCode, try to focus on projects that are relevant to your goals. For example, if you're interested in app or web development, consider creating simple apps like a dinner recipe notebook or budget tracker. When I started, I cloned home pages of popular websites—it's a fun way to learn! Just keep your projects manageable and document your progress as you go along.

If you want to really dive deep, consider getting a beginner's textbook in a programming language you're interested in. It can provide insights that you might miss with just online tutorials. No Starch Press has great resources for this kind of learning!

I recommend checking out Codewars! It has a gamified approach, allowing you to practice challenges (katas) that cater to different skill levels. Plus, the community is pretty helpful. If you're looking for a structured path, The Odin Project is fantastic for web development with lots of projects to work on. Just make sure to document tricky issues you solve along the way to reinforce your learning.