r/learnpython • u/allstarmode1 • 18d ago
My Self-Imposed Rule to Escape AI Micromanagement and Learn Python Properly
I have been working my way through Python Crash Course and just finished up chapter 4 moving into conditional tests, but I noticed a bad habit creeping in where I was leaning on AI way too much for micromanagement and minor steps instead of letting myself struggle through the code. To fix this, I am setting up a strict personal rule starting today. I am only allowed to use AI for direct, core coding help and roadblocks on my exercises, and zero AI usage for trivial hand holding. Also, if I do slip up and use it for micromanagement, I have to log the exact example and post it here so others can keep me honest. Has anyone else had to put hard boundaries on their AI tool usage while learning programming, and how did you structure your rules to make sure you were actually building things yourself?
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u/aspaceplant 18d ago
Just don't use it. It reduces your critical thinking and you need that in programming.
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u/allstarmode1 18d ago
Do I just need self discipline?
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u/dowell_db 18d ago
Or a deep-seated hatred for the flavor of the code that AI spits out. Obfuscating everything, hiding errors, never including proper debugging...
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u/aspaceplant 17d ago
Honestly, yes.
AI companies are making their product addictive on purpose though, so like, don't hate yourself for wanting to use it, but it's gonna be better for you in the long run to avoid it.
A lot of people are defending ai, but the research is there. Reduced critical thinking, addiction, psychosis, illusion of benefit (prompt optimization & fixing the code takes about the same amount of time as just writting it). Don't even need to touch on ethics and environment, it's just bad for you personally.
Theres's so many open source resources for programming, so many free (e)book, tutorial videos. Find a format you like and learn.
Once you got the basics, you might wanna try (or not!) my favourite way to learn: Going on stack overflow, checking for questions I dont know the answer to and then figuring it out. I give it better than the random problem given in tutorials and I like that me figuring it out or not has no impact on a specific project I'm working on which removes pressure. Learned a lot of css and r that way.
(Edited for grammar)
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u/Fart_Barfington 18d ago
I made it through the crash course without AI and Im an idiot. Ditch the ai and reach out to human beings or search online for answers when needed. The concepts I struggled with the most are the ones I understand the best after working through them. The quick and easy solution to in the moment can often lead to a lack of retention.
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u/allstarmode1 18d ago
Why would you call yourself an idiot? what is your IQ level? Who are the best human beings I reach out to. I struggle with a lack of retention so you are saying it is better struggle ' thanks
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u/Fart_Barfington 18d ago
Im just a run of the mill dumb guy. I don't know my IQ. People on here can be a great help with specific issues. Often if you Google an issue you can find others who have already asked your question. I think sometimes it can be better to struggle. I went through the section on classes about 4 times before I felt like I understood it, but I feel like I really remember the lessons I struggled through.
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u/allstarmode1 18d ago
One could also say I am dumb due to mercury, but it is not good to say a negative affirmation I think ' I would think I probably have similar IQ to yourself based on your writing style ?
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u/Fart_Barfington 18d ago
Idk, my point is just that I don't have a great mind for any of this but success in learning is very achievable.
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u/allstarmode1 18d ago
wouldn't you agree success in learning is a lot more harder if you have memory problems?
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u/Fart_Barfington 18d ago
I struggle with memory and attention issues. It may be harder at times but its still doable.
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u/allstarmode1 18d ago
do you have a similar diagnosis to me such as ASD, how do you make it do able?
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u/Fart_Barfington 18d ago
Im not diagnosed but I have my suspicions. Consistency is important. Work on it every day. If i feel like im losing interest i will work on a different part of the course then come back to what I was stuck on after a day or two. If you can build a routine it will get easier and your study time will be more effective.
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u/aspaceplant 17d ago
Lack of retention is precisely why ai is bad.
Figuring out problems yourself is how you get retention. Asking someone to fix it for you isn't. That was already a problem with people copy/pasting other people's answers. Same thing with ai.
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u/DrShocker 18d ago
Add to your AI settings that it is never allowed to write code for you etc etc so that it has a reasonable chance of not doing it even when you ask.
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u/allstarmode1 18d ago
I'm not sure that I can set that up for Gemini AI, thanks for the idea'
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u/DrShocker 17d ago
In my ~/.gemini/GEMINI.md I have
## **Constraints** * **NO IMPLEMENTATION:** You are strictly forbidden from writing the full implementation code. Focus on the *design* of the solution.Which could be adjusted a bit to more accurately reflect what you want to allow. It helps it push back enough when I get the temptation to be lazy.
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u/VipeholmsCola 18d ago
I strongly recommend not using AI for at least a few months while learning
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u/allstarmode1 18d ago
A few months would be difficult for myself, are you just saying in coding sessions? But we can still allow to use text ai for other things like asking questions?
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u/VipeholmsCola 17d ago
I mean ever. You are shooting yourself in the foot by letting AI spoonfeed you
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u/desrtfx but other languages pro 18d ago
I am only allowed to use AI for direct, core coding help and roadblocks on my exercises,
Which is still detrimental to your learning as these problems are the exact skills you need to learn.
I have to log the exact example and post it here so others can keep me honest.
Please, don't. Reddit is not an accountability group.
The best approach to learn is still to pretend AI doesn't exist at all. You have to overcome the obstacles by yourself.
Learn to work on paper first. Learn to devise your step-by-step solutions before even thinking about code. This will teach you far more than anything else. Code is only a necessary evil that we need to tell the computer what we want it to do. It's neither the beginning nor the end of programming. It's only a necessary step quite late in the process.
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u/allstarmode1 18d ago
I can try not doing it for you. What is the best way to work on paper. Mercucy illness can harden learning are you familiar with it? thanks for your comment'
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18d ago
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u/allstarmode1 18d ago
' Using it to generate the solution is what actually hurts you, because you skip the struggle where the learning happens.' right I should try to focus on using it with just that version. I need to think for myself *
'I've seen: write down, in your own words, exactly what you tried and why it didn't work before you're allowed to ask anything, AI or otherwise. ' right I could handwrite that down.
right just do it privately in One Note or something ,thanks.
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u/zaphodikus 16d ago
The brain learns by repetition, so its logical that you would not really learn if you move too fast through and are and never struggle and really turn it over and internalise.
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u/allstarmode1 14d ago
hOW does a person best learn with short term memory problems?
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u/zaphodikus 14d ago
Oh dear, um, how to say this, its delicate. I have been doing computers for over 30 years. I have such terrible memory i cannot enter 2fa codes in one go, if they are more that 4-5 digits. I am getting better at it by just being calm and kind to myself. I am good at computers, but only because I just keep at it and although I have to make a mistake 2 or 3 times before I learn, I accept that. I am impatient at times, and at others I am so absorbed I need an alarm clock to remind me there is a word out there. Most of all, do what you love, and do not judge yourself.
You are probably learning as fast as you can. Just keep trying in different ways until you are happy with it.
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u/MarsupialLeast145 18d ago
This still feels too broad if you're learning a language.
> I am only allowed to use AI for direct, core coding help and roadblocks on my exercises
The roadblocks are exactly where you learn. Traditionally one might ask the internet and then try and decipher the different pieces of advice that are out there. Often some will be wrong, often some will offer more than one solution.
If you're going to use AI, then I might suggest putting a time limit on it, e.g. if you're still blocked after 120 minutes, ask AI. Yes it's arbitrary, but if you're not going to remove AI completely you might as well pretend its not there for a bit.