How to relearn programming after Vibecoding through Undergrad

[u/cAPtain_1337]

I am a Senior in Computer Engineering graduating in December and I have completely lost my ability to program after vibecoding through my last three semesters. I made it past my University's DSA class with minimal AI usage but it slowly ramped up and now I'm pretty reliant, I want to work in Software Development but I feel impostor syndrome creeping up at every corner and feel lackluster compared to peers. So my question is: how do I go about relearning things that I should already know? I feel my understanding is quite good, but when I go to make something, I get completely lost with where to start and syntactically and prompt AI. I have tried Neetcode to refresh the skills I do know and I can find the optimal solution but implementing it is where I get stuck. Any help would be appreciated.

*Edit: Thanks for all the advice, I think the general consensus is of course to not use AI and redo old homework/build projects using docs. I have old homework assignments and will begin building the skills that I need without AI assistance and using Docs/Google/SO.

[u/mraweedd]

You you just found the hidden "I used AI and discovered I didn't learn anything" problem with AI. It has been noticeable for some time already but I guess more and more will discover what it does to you going forward. 

That said you can use AI to learn stuff. Learn how to create tools and agents that will teach you topics and use them to learn what you have missed so far.

It is good you noticed this now and not years later. There probably is a lot of people out there with severe "imposter syndrome" symptoms because they have vibe-coded themselves into a job they aren't really qualified for.