AI Coding Assistants: Helpful but No Substitute for Learning Core Skills
-
AI coding assistants like ChatGPT can provide solutions too easily, depriving learners of critical thinking needed to become good programmers.
-
Tools like CS50's virtual "rubber duck" chatbot allow students to get helpful guidance without just copying full solutions.
-
Learners should adopt a "code reviewer" mindset with AI tools, scrutinizing outputs for errors before using.
-
Framing clear, detailed prompts is key to getting useful code from AI; quality of output depends heavily on input.
-
Core programming skills come only from practice over time; AI can accelerate learning but not replace foundational coding abilities.