AI can actually slow down your learning if you’re new to programming

February 1, 2026
AI can actually slow down your learning if you’re new to programming

Here's something that might surprise you — using AI as a shortcut in coding can actually slow down your learning. So, many new developers lean on AI to generate code or fix errors, but according to /u/emudoc on Reddit, that ‘easy fix’ might be a trap. The thing is, when you skip the 'struggle phase,' you miss out on developing crucial debugging skills. Those moments of wrestling with errors are where real growth happens, and if AI does the heavy lifting, you won’t build that muscle. Now, here’s where it gets interesting — AI is fantastic for boilerplate or quick snippets, but don’t let it rot your fundamentals. As /u/emudoc points out, it’s about balance — using AI as a tool, not a crutch. So what does this mean for you? If you’re serious about becoming a solid programmer, you might wanna embrace those bugs and errors — they’re the real teachers. The takeaway? AI can boost productivity, but don’t let it replace the learning process itself.

I’m seeing too many new devs use AI as an autopilot instead of a hint system.

By skipping the "struggle phase", you’re missing out on building that essential debugging muscle. If you don't wrestle with the errors now, you’ll be clueless when things actually break later and there's no prompt to save you.

AI is great for boilerplate, but don't let it rot your fundamentals.

What do you guys think? Is AI making new devs "lazy" or just more efficient in this era?

submitted by /u/emudoc
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Audio Transcript

I’m seeing too many new devs use AI as an autopilot instead of a hint system.

By skipping the "struggle phase", you’re missing out on building that essential debugging muscle. If you don't wrestle with the errors now, you’ll be clueless when things actually break later and there's no prompt to save you.

AI is great for boilerplate, but don't let it rot your fundamentals.

What do you guys think? Is AI making new devs "lazy" or just more efficient in this era?

submitted by /u/emudoc
[link] [comments]
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