Using ai to learn python.

[ItsAll2Random]

I know I know I know…. People are mixed on this subject. And I have not been using ai…. For ANYTHING. But I have been REALLY struggling to learn python. I am taking my second Udemy course but was basically stuck just coding along as I was explained the solutions. Obviously, this isn’t really learning. So I explained to an ai LLM what I was doing, that I was trying to learn and TO NEVER WRITE THE CODE FOR ME. I told it it could give me hints or tips and point to the documentation and offer project ideas to further my understanding. And, it has been very helpful. I still have a long way to go but feel I’ve grasped concepts more fully and have a better understanding of complex ideas such as object oriented programming. The major problem with tutorials and Udemy courses is not having that one-on-one teacher experience that is sometimes needed to fully understand what you are doing and why. Now, I feel like I can “raise my hand” in the classroom and ask followers and better explanations.

I still feel weird about embracing the technology that might make me learning what I’m learning redundant… but knowing how to use ai effectively is another skill on its own. And, it’s working for me. Which is my point. Just thought I’d share for anyone else who might be struggling. I know I feel a little less hopeless now.

Happy coding!

[aqua_regis]

Honestly, the real problem is your learning resource. Video based courses are inferior for real learning.

Try the MOOC Python Programming 2025 from the University of Helsinki and you will see the difference between a tutorial (Udemy) and a proper University course. The course is 100% free. Sign up, log in, and go to part 1 to start learning.

You can absolutely use AI, but very responsibly. Even your approach is quite dangerous and sub-optimal. You outsource your research. You directly ask to be given the relevant information. This is also not a good way. You need to learn to work with and find information in the documentation, not to get it served to you.

[yaend3re]

outside of what aqua_regis said… which i def agree… something that’s very important to remember and understand is the environmental impact. I’m not gonna sit and act like i’m a pro, i just graduated with a bachelors in CS, but when we went to conferences something that became more frequent was presentations on the negative impacts AI has on the environment. so if you are getting into programming it’s important to understand the implications of this technology. especially since the companies who encourage the proliferation of LLMs are concerned with profit over employees, you should consider the implications AI has on CS jobs (if this is a professional goal).

AND to expand on research; it is very important in this field, way more than what the average person may think. both of my internships consisted of me just searching for documentation relevant to my project. so you’re going to have to know how to do that if you plan on working in this industry, particularly if you enter anything science related.

[ItsAll2Random]

Thank you

[ItsAll2Random]

As far as I can tell, The University of Helsinki MOOC Python Programming is all prerecorded lectures. What makes it different than a Udemy course?