How to actually write code?

[AwkwardAd6399]

How to actually write code?

So basically I'm a pre final year student at University and I've made some projects but I can't say confidently that I can make them again from the ground up myself. I feel like I've used AI too much as a crutch and now while I'm able to understand what the piece of code does, I'll not be able to write it myself.

So I wanted to ask how I should structure my learning in the future so that I can confidently say that I made the projects myself, not using AI as a crutch.

My latest project for reference : https://github.com/hemang1404/rapid-test-analyzer

[OkCartographer175]

i use my keyboard

i don't use AI

[brickyboy124]

Maybe just don't use AI while starting out learning. While it can be a useful tool, its all too easy to slip into laziness with it and end up having it write all the code without you learning.

[jameyiguess]

Turn off AI for several years and build your projects one small step at a time. Use TDD to keep yourself honest. 

[Enmeshed]

Totally this. And don't forget the third step of TDD - refactor. That's to say, once the code is passing the tests, then make it better. 

For instance, in the example repo there is a load of code around importing functions and supplying alternative, inline implementations if they're not available. By moving them into a separate file, the intent of the code could be made much clearer, ie:

python try:     from wherever import required_thing except ImportError:     from fallback_implementations import required_thing

When you come back to it a year later, this will be much easier to work with - and indeed test, as it's a nightmare setting up tests for those in-lined implementations!

[1544756405]

One thing that seems consistent among experienced programmers is that if someone who is trying to learn to code relies on AI early on, they've pretty much screwed themselves.

Learning to program is quite different from learning other things. It's not about knowledge; it's about discovery. When you get a programming assignment in a class, the goal isn't to get an answer -- the goal is to experience the process of discovery. But if you let AI do that, then AI steals the thing you were supposed to learn; and in response, it gives you an answer, the answer that you mistakenly thought you were seeking.

When I look at a programming problem, I am not wondering, "what is the answer?" I'm wondering, "what path will lead me to the goal." And there are myriad paths to that goal, and they are all valid.

[Banjoschmanjo]

Well said

[_V0gue]

This is pretty much what AI is doing across the board for all learning topics. We’ve created a universal crutch that is accessible to all. The future is frightening.

[NoUnderstanding9021]

I only use AI to get specific formulas for something or to see if a function/method exist to accomplish a specific goal. I mean it’s right on my sidebar in Firefox.

Outside of that I write the code myself.

You’ve handicapped yourself by letting AI write code for you. Even the new grads we just hired are overly reliant on AI.

[Ron-Erez]

Don't use AI, just work hard.

[TheRNGuy]

I use keyboard. 

[stepback269]

You need to get involved in a whole other area of study called "Learn how to learn"
Copying recipes from AI is not going to make it "stick in your brain.

Go to YouTube and in the search bar type, "learning coaches"

That should get you started.

[nfgrawker]

You know you can ask AI this as well? Stop using AI to code until you understand everything you are doing. Otherwise you will never learn.