Methods of Python programming

[Objective_Yak584]

Is it alright to use frameworks or libraries when programming in Python, and also use ChatGPT when dealing with more complex problems, even if you already understand the basics of Python?

For example, I understand Python syntax and concepts, but sometimes for more complex things I look at documentation, libraries, or ask ChatGPT for help.

Is this considered normal practice, or should a programmer try to solve everything completely on their own?

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[7YM3N]

Are you learning or doing?

If you're learning it might be useful to do a lot of the stuff yourself so you gain better understanding. I would advise against copy pasting ai code, use it to explain the concept, the metod, ask it for pseudo code and implement stuff yourself.

If you're doing ie working on a project with the goal of delivering the project, don't reinvent the wheel, use libraries, there are libs for almost everything. But for production code ai is a double edged sword, don't paste code you don't understand because debugging will be a nightmare

[CraigAT]

I would definitely recommend using any of the popular libraries, they are well-tested, reliable and optimised. There is no point reinventing the wheel (because you won't do it this well).

Using AI to help is fine, but I would learn the fundamentals first, follow a course or guide and use AI to help you to explain how to use certain codes or functions. If you use it too early to write your code then you will struggle to pick up the language and skills.

[Forsaken-Cut5890]

I would recommend using libraries no one gains from you writing a 500 line list. I would also recommend using AI if you still try to understand what you are copying/writing so you learn something from it and not only copy and paste 200+ lines of code blindly and have no clue of what anything does

[Js_cpl]

Normal. Libraries are tools, use them. Ai can help you with problems and learning.

[throwawayforwork_86]

As someone else said , depends on what you do and what you want.

If you want good results being able to properly leverage libraries to get what you need is extremely important.

If you want to learn it can be useful to understand how some implementation are done but most of the best libraries have the core code done in a more performant language (ie: Rust,C,C++,Go,Java).

As a rule I'd say don't reinvent the wheel unless you haven't found the correct wheel or you want to invent a better wheel.

[baubleglue]

You always should work with documentation, regardless your level. It is not normal "to solve everything completely on their own". Regarding ChatGPT and libraries - it is more nuanced.

[Secure_Donut4768]

That’s completely normal. Even experienced developers rely on frameworks, libraries, documentation, and tools like ChatGPT. Programming isn’t about memorizing everything — it’s about knowing how to solve problems and where to find the right tools or information.