Learn the Hard Way First: Why New Developers Should Build Skills Before Leaning on AI
This article argues that new developers should write and debug code manually before relying on AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot. The author warns that skipping the 'struggle' now will lead to long-term issues, as AI can't compensate for lack of fundamental coding skills.
Why it matters
This advice is crucial for new developers to build sustainable coding skills and avoid long-term issues from over-reliance on AI tools.
Key Points
- 1AI-assisted development can lead to 'garbage in, garbage out' if developers don't have a strong grasp of the basics
- 2Passing the 'it works' test is not enough - code must also be maintainable, secure, and efficient
- 3Developers should write code themselves first, then compare to AI-generated solutions to build 'good taste'
- 4Debugging without AI is crucial, as AI can't help with issues beyond the developer's understanding
Details
The article emphasizes that new developers should minimize AI assistance in their first 3 months on the job, and only use it for exploration and acceleration in the following months. The author cites examples of major software failures caused by 'working' but flawed code, such as the Ariane 5 rocket explosion and the Knight Capital trading loss. The key is building a strong foundation in fundamentals like data structures, HTTP, and databases before relying on AI. Pattern recognition and proper testing practices are also critical skills that AI cannot substitute. Ultimately, AI multiplies whatever skills the developer already has - deep understanding leads to extraordinary productivity, while bad assumptions lead to extraordinary damage.
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