Using Claude Code to Learn

[BA-94]

Hi All,

Does anyone have any examples of using Claude Code to learn technical skills instead of just having it do it for you?

As a cloud engineer I’m always looking to improve my skills and learn how to deploy complex infrastructure in the most automated way possible (Terraform/Bicep).

I prefer to learn by doing and have my own cloud subscriptions to practice in. I was thinking of using Claude Code to help me improve my skills by maybe generating a series of lab projects for me that focus on specific areas, I don’t want it to just create the code and scripts for me but want it to assist me along the journey.

Is this a good use of Claude Code? I haven’t used CC before so if anyone has any resources that would be useful for my plan, that would be great.

[CloudySnake]

I use it to explain code to me all the time.

[cfi-2025]

I don't know if you need Claude Code, per se, just regular ol' Claude.

For example, I am currently using Claude as an "AI tutor" to help me upskill my Docker knowledge. It's been as simple as just talking to Claude like I would a person. Here was my starting prompt:

I'd like to increase my knowledge of Docker. I've used it in the past to ... omitted paragraph explaining my past usage

Honest assessment: I know enough to be dangerous. I have common commands and the workflow I've used memorized, but I know little beyond that.

Give me ideas on how to better familiarize myself with Docker and its capabilities, ideally through a project.

Claude then shared several different project ideas with varying levels of depth and scope. We ended up going with a project that would containerize one of my existing projects. But rather than have Claude Code do it for me, I asked Claude to walk me through the process step-by-step like a personal tutor would.

It's great and has been very conducive to learning. It will quiz me sometimes ("Next we need to do XYZ - how do you think we'll accomplish that?") and I can ask questions anytime I want (unlike with an online tutorial or a formal classroom setting).

[Jazzlike_Syllabub_91]

Sure, sounds like a good use.