As a developer, I've always been passionate about improving my coding skills, reading code, and diving deeper into problem-solving. However, in recent weeks, I've been experiencing something unexpected: I feel like my coding abilities and focus have significantly declined. The cause? The very tools that were supposed to make my life easier – AI-driven assistants like ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot. 😅
The Impact of AI Tools on My Coding Skills ⚡
When I first started using tools like ChatGPT and Copilot, they were a great boost to my productivity. They helped me write code faster, debug issues. At first, everything seemed perfect – a dream come true for a developer who wanted to focus on building rather than writing boilerplate code. 😍
But over time, I began noticing a subtle shift. I was no longer reading code the way I used to. Instead of spending time figuring out solutions, I was relying too heavily on AI to provide them for me. My code comprehension took a hit because I wasn’t engaging with the problems as deeply. It felt like I was outsourcing my cognitive processes to the AI, leading to a reduction in critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. 🤯
Moreover, my focus was deteriorating. With the constant access to quick code suggestions and instant answers, I found it harder to concentrate on tasks for longer periods. My attention span started shrinking, and I couldn’t sit down for long enough to fully immerse myself in challenging problems. I was coding like a robot… but without the efficiency. 🤖🚶♂️
Taking Action: Why I Decided to Cut AI Tools ⛔
After a few weeks of feeling stuck in this cycle, I realized I needed to take a step back. I needed to reawaken my ability to focus and engage deeply with code again. So, I decided to remove AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot from my workflow for a while. It wasn’t an easy decision – these tools were convenient, after all – but I knew I needed to regain my ability to focus and code without distractions. 📴
This decision has been a wake-up call for me, reminding me of the importance of practice, focus, and actively engaging with code. It's easy to let technology take over, but we must ensure it serves us and not the other way around. 🧠💪
Exercises to Improve Focus and Code Comprehension 🔍
If you’re feeling like I did and want to regain your focus and coding skills, here are some exercises that can help:
1. Set Timed Focus Sessions ⏱️
Use the Pomodoro Technique or any time management method to create uninterrupted focus sessions. Work in 25- to 50-minute blocks and dedicate each session to reading and understanding code or solving coding problems. (Bonus: It’s like coding sprints with a timer. No AI interruptions allowed!) 🏃♂️💨
2. Solve Problems Without AI Assistance 🚫🤖
Try solving problems on coding platforms (e.g., LeetCode, HackerRank, Codewars) without looking up solutions or using AI tools. It forces you to think critically and find your own way, helping you rebuild problem-solving skills. Remember, Google isn’t your AI best friend here! 😜
3. Read and Refactor Code 🧐🔧
Pick a piece of code (either your own or someone else’s) and spend time understanding it. Try refactoring it to improve readability, efficiency, or performance. This exercise helps improve your code comprehension and writing skills. (Hint: You might end up making your code more elegant than a Shakespearean sonnet.) 🎭✨
4. Write Code from Scratch ✍️
Instead of relying on code generators or snippets, try building projects from scratch. Write everything yourself, even the parts that seem tedious. This process enhances your understanding of how things work under the hood. (And hey, every developer loves the feeling of creating something completely their own, right?) 🚀
5. Limit Multitasking 🚫🔄
Focus on one task at a time. Turn off notifications, and avoid jumping between tasks or switching between multiple tabs. If you’re reading an article, reading code, or debugging, give it your full attention. (Trust me, your brain will thank you!) 🧠💥
6. Engage in Code Review Sessions 📋👀
Take part in code reviews where you review others’ code and explain your reasoning. This will push you to critically analyze code and will improve your understanding and decision-making process. (Also, you might feel like a superhero when your code suggestions actually make a difference! 🦸♂️)
Conclusion: Finding a Balance ⚖️
AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot are undoubtedly powerful, but it’s essential to find a balance. We should use these tools to augment our skills, not replace them entirely. By focusing on the exercises mentioned above, we can regain our ability to concentrate, think critically, and continuously improve as developers. It’s all about using technology in a way that enhances our own abilities rather than diminishing them.
If you’ve been feeling the same way or have similar experiences, I’d love to hear how you’ve managed to overcome it. Let’s continue to learn and grow together – and remember, AI is here to help, not to do all the work for us! 😄🤖
Let’s code like it’s 1999 again! (Just kidding, no one misses dial-up internet. But you get the point.) 🌐
Top comments (2)
Sounds like you've understood the benefits and the drawbacks. You're welcome to try Fine which works differently from copilot - instead of pair programming, you delegate entire tasks. It might suit you as you can continue working on the big projects and delegate minor annoyances to the AI.
Thanks for the suggestion! 🙏 While I appreciate the idea of delegating smaller tasks to the AI, I think I’m still in the phase where I want to tackle everything myself, even the less exciting parts. Since I'm still learning, I feel that doing everything – including those “minor annoyances” – will help me gain more knowledge and experience. I want to challenge myself and really understand how every part of a project fits together. But I’ll keep Fine in mind for the future, once I feel more confident in my skills! 😊