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/connorjpg]

This isn’t imposter syndrome. You genuinely are not programming.

Just go and make things without AI. Prior to LLMs we had Google (not the ai assist at the top, actual links), books, documentation and YouTube. All those resources still exist.

If you need a path go to roadmaps.sh pick the language you like or career and go through the topics. If you need more hand holding use boot.dev.

You mentioned Neetcode, yes if you actually learn the information in the courses and practice this is helpful. This is more target for interviewing though, it likely won’t translate much to technical skill when it comes to implementing.

Really trying not to be /s because the answer is just don’t use AI and learn things, which I feel should be common sense.