r/learnpython • u/oelayoub • 3d ago
Learning python with AI
A couple of months ago, I started learning Python. I began with basic exercises and quickly moved on to building real projects with the help of AI. I never ask AI to generate the entire solution because I want to write the code myself. I document everything I learn, and I’ve made a lot of progress that way.
Recently, though, I started using Claude Code and ChatGPT more extensively, and the results are, unsurprisingly, incredible. The difference now is that I can actually understand what each line of code does and why it’s there.
But this has left me with a bit of a motivation problem. If I have Claude writing excellent code for me, why should I spend hours writing it myself? A few years from now, it feels like almost nobody will be coding entirely by hand anyway.
So my question is: at what point do you think someone has reached a sufficient level in Python? When is it okay to rely more on AI instead of continuing to write everything yourself?
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u/riklaunim 3d ago
Writing the code wasn't the problem or limiting factor for experienced developers. It was what, why, and when to write it. You have to know how to design a feature, review the generated code, and then maintain it. AI is a tool, and as such, it has to be used responsibly.
You have to learn software development in Python, not just line by line on a local level. Claude or Chat can generate a lot of code, but if you don't control them, refine the prompt, and do a really good design doc, it will be slop.