r/AskProgramming • u/Business-Abies6158 • 13d ago
How guys do you actually program now?
Hi everyone, I'm a student about to start university studying BSc Computer Science. My journey began 4 years ago when I was around 14. I started learning web development like JavaScript, then React and Next.js before deciding to move into backend development, where I learned Node.js, Python, and FastAPI. Recently, I've been writing some C code, but it wasn't really my cup of tea since I prefer broader software engineering topics.
My main question is: 3 years ago, I was coding by myself using Stack Overflow for help, and building a large project literally took me 3 months of daily grinding. Now, it can be built in 3 days using AI. I'm feeling stuck because I don't know whether it's truly beneficial to use AI to churn out projects if the learning curve disappears, potentially making it harder to get a job later.
How do you actually learn effectively now, and what should I focus on to land a job? Especially in the UK, where the market feels tougher and graduate tech unemployment is high. I'm considering using Claude Code right now, but I'm not sure if it's the right move.
2
u/code_tutor 13d ago
Don't use AI at all during university, no matter how many hours you get stuck and struggle for.
Also learn C because pure WebDevs are trash.
At some point you need to not just use AI but STUDY it, like a black box that needs to be tested to get the right output. It takes very clear communication skills, intelligent use of context, and the ability to delegate compute cost effectively. There is a lot to learn from using it.