The Impact of AI Tools on Learning to Code
Starting a coding journey can be both exciting and challenging, especially for beginners. As someone who recently began learning to code, I want to share my experiences with using AI tools, which can be helpful but also have their downsides.
How I Used AI Tools
In my early days of coding, I often turned to AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity whenever I ran into problems with my code. These tools helped me find quick solutions and debug my issues. However, I soon realized that relying too much on them made it harder for me to think for myself and solve problems independently.
The Downsides of Relying on AI
When it came time for exams and coding tests where using AI tools wasn’t allowed, I faced some tough challenges. My dependence on these tools had made me less confident in my own coding skills. Here are some important lessons I learned:
Creativity and Problem-Solving: Relying too much on AI can limit your creativity. As beginners, we should focus on developing our problem-solving skills instead of looking for easy answers.
Understanding the Basics: It's essential to dive deep into coding concepts by reading documentation and asking mentors for help. This foundational knowledge is what will help us become skilled developers.
Learning to Debug: As I started to fix my own mistakes more often, I found that my understanding of code improved a lot. The more I practiced finding and fixing errors, the more confident I became.
Using AI as a Helpful Tool
AI tools like GitHub Copilot can make learning easier by offering suggestions and helping with simple tasks. However, it’s important to use them wisely:
Get Guidance from AI: Instead of asking AI to solve problems for you, use it for hints when you're stuck. For example, if you have trouble with a specific coding question, an AI tool can help point you in the right direction.
Read Documentation: Always check the official documents and resources related to the programming languages or frameworks you're using. This practice helps you understand the material better and prepares you for situations where you can’t use AI.
Connect with Others: Don’t hesitate to ask questions in online forums or seek help from teachers or friends who know about coding. They can offer insights that AI might not provide.
Tips for Beginners (Like me)
To build your coding skills while using AI tools effectively, consider these tips:
Limit Your Use of AI: Try not to rely on AI too much during your learning phase.
Focus on the Basics: Spend time mastering fundamental concepts before moving on to more complex topics.
Practice Regularly: Work on coding exercises without using AI to build your confidence.
Reflect on What You Learn: After using an AI tool, take a moment to understand how it solved the problem instead of just copying its answer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while AI tools can be a great help in learning to code, they should support your learning rather than replace it. By being careful about how you use these tools and focusing on building a strong foundation in programming, you can become a capable developer who knows how to solve problems creatively. This journey has shown me that technology can be our friend; however, we need to use it wisely so that we continue to learn and grow as thinkers in the world of tech.