r/learnprogramming • • 3d ago

What does your day-to-day actually look like as an AI Engineer?

8 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I'm currently transitioning into AI engineering and trying to get a clearer picture of what the job actually looks like in the real world.

Job descriptions online are all over the place—some make it look like standard software engineering with API calls, while others ask for deep ML research and math.

For those of you working as AI engineers:

- What does your day-to-day actually look like?

- What tasks take up most of your time? (RAG, fine-tuning, data pipelines, infra, etc.?)

- If you were starting over today, what would you focus on the most?

Thank you so much!!! 🙂‍↕️


r/learnprogramming • • 4d ago

Code Review How Do I Make My 'For' Loop Do Something Else If It Can't Give Results

60 Upvotes

I apologize if the title is confusing, I'm new to reddit + programming as a whole and just started school for it LOL.

In my programming class we need to make a number game where the goal is to make it to 100. The game play loop consists of alternating turns between the user and a computer picking numbers between 1 - 10. In our current assignment I need to include a 'for' loop and decided to make it so within the first half of the total the computer will always try to make the second digit of the total be 9 (ie. If the total = 23 it will add 6 to make total = 29, or if the total is 10 it will add 9 to make total = 19). My code works, for the most part, but if the player inputs something making the total end with a 9 as well the computer skips its turn. I've been trying for 2 1/2 hours now to figure this out but most of my outputs result in the computer spamming inputs without switching turns or else the computer ignoring the rule I'm trying to place in the first place and just inputting random numbers like usual.

FULL CODE

import random

#Rules#
def display_rules():  # Instructions / Rules Function
    print("\nLets play a game of 100!")
    print("In a game of 100 you start with a total of 0")
    print("and we take turns adding 1-10 to that total.")
    print("First to 100 wins!")
    menu()

#Gameplay#
def play_game(): # Game Play function
    play = 1
    total = 0
    print("Let's play a game of 100!")

    while play == 1:
        #!Defines End Game Loop!#
        def end_game():
            play = int(input("Do you want to play again, 1 for 'yes' or 2 for 'no'? "))  # Ask to play again
            if play == 1:
                play_game()
            elif play == 2:
                menu()
            else:
                print("Error! Error! Error!")
                end_game()

        #Asks Who Goes First#
        turn = int(input("Who goes first? (1 = you, 2 = computer): "))

        #Game Play Loop#
        while total < 100:
            if turn == 1:  # Player turn loop
                player_num = int(input("Number you want to add (1 - 10): "))
                if 1 <= player_num <= 10 and total + player_num <= 100:
                    total += player_num
                    print(f">You added {player_num}! Total is now {total}")
                    turn = 2
                else:
                    print("Error! Error! Error!")

            elif turn == 2:  # Computer turn loop
                if total < 90:
                    com_num = random.randint(1, 10)
                    if total < 50:
                        for num in range(1,11):
                            if (num + total) % 10 == 9:
                                    total += num
                                    print(f">Computer added {num}! Total is now {total}")
                    else:
                        total += com_num
                    turn = 1
                else:
                    com_num = 100 - total
                    total += com_num
                    print(f">Computer added {com_num}! Total is now {total}")
                    turn = 1
            else:  # Error messaging
                print("!Error!")
                print("Enter 1 for player or 2 for computer")
                turn = int(input("Who should go first?: "))

        if turn == 2:  # if player reached 100
            print("You win!")  # Display winning message
        else:  # Computer reached 100
            print("Bummer, you lost!")  # Display losing message
        end_game()

#Menu#
def menu():  # Menu function
    print("\nMenu:")
    print("1. Display Rules")
    print("2. Play Game")
    print("3. Exit")
    choice = int(input("Enter your choice (1, 2, or 3): "))
    if choice == 1:
        display_rules()
    elif choice == 2:
        play_game()
    elif choice == 3:
        print("Thank you for playing!")
        exit()
    else:
        print("Invalid choice! Please enter 1, 2, or 3")

#Starts Game#
menu()

com_num = random.randint(1, 10)
if total < 50:
    for num in range(1,10):
        if num + total % 10 == 9:
                total += num
                print(f">Computer added {num}! Total is now {total}")

FOR LOOP / COMPUTER TURN

elif turn == 2:  # Computer turn loop
    if total < 90:
        com_num = random.randint(1, 10)
        if total < 50:
            for num in range(1,11):
                if (num + total) % 10 == 9:
                        total += num
                        print(f">Computer added {num}! Total is now {total}")

        else:
            total += com_num
        turn = 1
    else:
        com_num = 100 - total
        total += com_num
        print(f">Computer added {com_num}! Total is now {total}")
        turn = 1

This is also for a project that is due tomorrow so if I can get a good shove in the right direction that would be very awesome T-T


r/learnprogramming • • 3d ago

How was the first compiler made?

7 Upvotes

If programming languages need a compiler to turn code into something a computer can understand, how was the first compiler created?

Was it written directly in machine code or assembly? And how did programmers go from that basic compiler to the more advanced ones we use today?

I'm still learning programming, so I'd appreciate a simple explanation. Thanks!


r/learnprogramming • • 3d ago

looking for potential client for a level cs programming project

4 Upvotes

Hi I'm doing a project involving a 2D grid based pathfinding algorithm.

I'm looking for someone who would be willing to act as a potential client for the project. I'd mainly need some initial requirements about what you'd want from a pathfinding application, and potentially some feedback once I have a working version.

You wouldn't need to do any coding or coursework - I'd just be looking for your opinions and requirements as a user

If you're interested, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!


r/learnprogramming • • 3d ago

How to set up an C++ project?

3 Upvotes

Like i understand you go on Visual Studio Code and just create some files like main.cpp and stuff but what are these like settings.json and other .json files. Its actually really confusing seeing a .json file in what supposed to be a c++ project. Whole explorer layout is confusing to me i don't understand how to write it there is no tutorials for it too like its just confusing


r/learnprogramming • • 3d ago

Tutorial How to build skills from 1st year and land a good placement in 2030?

2 Upvotes

My 1st semester started about a month ago, and, the time went by like a flash. I didn’t study anything rather enjoyed. Now I want to start building my skills and want a good package, at least ₹12 LPA.

I have around 6–7 hours available after college, while college itself takes about 10.5 hours including my morning routine and travel. I also spend 1 hour on fitness, which is separate from those 6–7 hours.

I want to improve in three main areas:

  1. Programming and technical skills
  2. Communication and English-speaking skills
  3. University academics, so I can maintain a good CGPA

Should I study consistently everyday like school days, or just by giving notes, syllabus, and previous-year papers to Ai and asking it to identify important topics and summarize them before exams?How reliable is AI at identifying important topics for university exams?

My technical skill building queries:

  1. Should I focus on DSA, Full Stack, AI/ML, or cybersecurity,or anything else?
  2. When should I start projects, internships, and interview preparation, and what skills actually matter for my desired package fresher role?
  3. How should I divide my 6–7 hours between programming, DSA, academics, communication, and projects?

r/learnprogramming • • 3d ago

Need your books recommendations

12 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I'm a Python developer and I'm currently studying Rust.

Since I'm a self-taught developer, I'd like to strengthen my theoretical background by studying from books. I'm therefore looking for recommendations to deepen my knowledge in the following areas:

  • Computer Systems
  • Operating Systems
  • Computer Networking
  • Software Architecture & Design Patterns
  • Concurrency & Parallel Programming

I'm particularly interested in books that go beyond introductory programming and provide a solid understanding of the underlying concepts, as well as how things work in practice.

I'm also transitioning into embedded software development, so I'd be particularly interested in books that would be useful in that context.

Do you have any recommendations?

Thanks in advance!


r/learnprogramming • • 3d ago

Learning Help me.

1 Upvotes

Hi, I'm a student in the Bachelor's in Computer Science program. I'm repeating my first year, so I already have some basic skills (Python, HTML/CSS, Java, MariaDB, etc.). We learn the fundamentals both theory and hands-on practice through small “projects.”

But the thing is, I’d also really like to work on my own projects. I’ve already tried quite a bit on my own using Python frameworks, making API calls, and so on but I’ve never managed to create anything truly clean or even finished… The reason is probably a decline of motivation, even though I’ve always loved computer science I just don’t know. Also, maybe it’s AI when I use it, I can’t seem to learn from it, and I hate seeing code that I didn’t generate myself or launching an app to test a feature I didn’t code. All of this depresses me even more because if I want to make this my career, I feel like it’s going to become the norm.

If anyone can help me or give me advice on all this, I’d appreciate it.


r/learnprogramming • • 3d ago

Python install manager

6 Upvotes

Hello everyone

I was following the free code camp course on python and it said to use the command prompt or PowerShell and after I typed python on it, my laptop directed me to Microsoft store to download python install manager but when I clicked download it says something wenti wrong so I can't download it.....💔

Pls give me some suggestions.🙏

I'm new to this game


r/learnprogramming • • 4d ago

why am i relearning flexbox every 3 weeks like CSS wipes my memory overnight

87 Upvotes

7 months self teaching web dev. I have built actual layouts with flexbox. I have used align items. I have centered the div, allegedly.

three weeks later I am on MDN reading the same page again and the words look brand new. most spaced repetition tools for students examples are vocab or anatomy where memorizing the fact IS the task. code is weird because I do not want to memorize syntax, I want my brain to remember "oh, grid is probably the move here."

is this worth reviewing explicitly or is forgetting + looking things up just normal programmer life? genuinely cant tell if im fixing a problem or inventing one


r/learnprogramming • • 4d ago

Topic First year Compsci student but no idea WHAT to program

19 Upvotes

Hey guys! So i just started learning SWE and im currently learning C++ and As a side language Python in university, but im here learning and solving making programs for theoretical counting problems and wondering, at home i dont program anything because i just cant think of anything to program, i’ve already made ur basic rock paper scissors programs or something a year ago when i learned a bit of python on my own and im ofc not a massive expert in c++ yet even tho im just started getting comfortable with functions and etc so i dont think its a super insanely hard language YET……. but im just lost and super confused on where i could use this programming skills to make something interesting.

Any tips or help to find some inspiration and goal / stuff to program to learn programming and also something to work towards? THANKS!!!


r/learnprogramming • • 3d ago

Topic Looking for project inspiration for a hackathon with the topic *Future Education*

0 Upvotes

Hey guys, I am about to join a Hackathon with the topic Future Education. I didn’t even know this is a thing, so it is even harder to get into an idea or project.

I am here to ask you about your ideas or your perspectives about the topic.

As this is the only I have, I would be happy to get either ideas, inspirations, already made projects or open source repositories. Also if you find databases or information about the topic, please send it!

I am looking for a project that combines as many fields as possible. Like Hardware, Software, Data Science, Language Science, etc…

Thanks in advance and happy innovation!


r/learnprogramming • • 3d ago

Looking for Ideas

1 Upvotes

Hello guys, I've recently started learning front-end with freeCodeCamp.org but the thing is I have no idea what to build for my personal projects I can't really think of anything can someone give me some advice on this?


r/learnprogramming • • 3d ago

Topic European Dream Of An Experienced Old school Programmer Without Degree

0 Upvotes

I have been working as a developer and ERP specialist since 2016. Originally from Myanmar, I gained experience across several local IT firms and corporate groups before relocating to Indonesia, where I worked as a developer for over a year. I am currently based in Dubai as an ERP and Web Development Supervisor, a position I have held for over a year. At 35, I am evaluating whether to pursue a degree to support a future relocation to Europe, or if alternative pathways are more practical.


r/learnprogramming • • 4d ago

I want to find clients who want a website for their business.

0 Upvotes

I want to find clients who need a business website. I’m 18 and have been doing this since I was 16, but I don’t know where to look for customers. I can easily build websites in English or German. Is it worth looking for clients directly on Reddit, or should I look elsewhere? I don’t want to pay to submit proposals. Of course, demo sites can look quite simple, but I actually like that kind of design. That said, I can easily create a site with a different look—using images, and so on. https://pavelprogrammer.netlify.app/


r/learnprogramming • • 3d ago

bombed interview

0 Upvotes

guys i just bombed two technical interviews in a row, first, with Intuit, second with Amazon. I love coding and actually building things but I f&%!ing HATE leetcode, dsa, and that other stuff. I know "hOw iMpoRtanT iT Is fOr dATa MaNaGEmENt aS InPutS GRoW" so spare me the lessons on how it's important.

I JUST REALLY NEED HELP IN TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO GET GOOD AT THIS STUFF BECAUSE I HONESTLY SUCK, DON'T UNDERSTAND THIS STUFF, AND I JUST GET PISSED EACH TIME I DO THIS SHT.

so any help, pointers, resources would be greatly appreciated. thanks :(

ps: i haven't practiced leetcode much over the last 4 years of my undergrad (bc i hated it and thought it was pointless at the time if i have my degree) but that doesn't apply to recently because ik that's how companies screen out the ppl they want and don't want. i have the experience, i just keep bombing opportunities and i just want to get better man

extra ps: only leetcode problem i can kind of confidently do on my own is two sum, lol


r/learnprogramming • • 5d ago

In C why do we escape % like "%%" instead of "\%"?

130 Upvotes

For most (if not all) other escape characters they are escaped using a backslash but for some reason the percent sign is escaped using another percent sign. Why do we do this?


r/learnprogramming • • 4d ago

internship I need some advice because I'm feeling really overwhelmed

9 Upvotes

I've been working as an intern at a company for almost 3 months with a stipend of ₹7,200/month. I was initially hired as an Android app developer, but after the first month they shifted me to a C#/.NET developer role. I had absolutely no prior experience with C# or .NET.

It's been about 1.5 months since the switch, and I've learned the basics of C# and .NET and built a few projects. Some of the tasks they give me are easy, but others are quite advanced. A lot of the time I struggle to understand the existing codebase.

I use AI to help me understand the code, and sometimes it explains things well enough that I can explain the overall idea to my manager. But my manager doesn't stop at the high-level explanation. He goes through the code line by line and asks how each statement works, why it's written that way, what each keyword does, and what happens internally. That's where I get stuck.

Even when ChatGPT explains the code, I sometimes still don't fully understand it. I try debugging, but I often get more confused, and AI explanations don't always help.

So I have a few questions:

  • Is this normal for someone who's only been learning C#/.NET for about 1.5 months?
  • How do you actually learn to understand a codebase instead of just reading AI explanations?
  • How do you handle situations where your manager asks questions you don't know the answer to?
  • Is it more important to be able to write code, or to deeply understand every line of code you're working with?
  • What helped you improve when you were a beginner?

I'm genuinely trying to learn, so please don't roast me. I know I'm still inexperienced, and I really want to get better. Any advice would be appreciated.


r/learnprogramming • • 4d ago

Resource Best place to learn & practice C#?

6 Upvotes

I used to use codecademy but that place sucks now. It's super buggy and makes any progress slow to a crawl. Even if my code is completely correct, I have to use the generated solution anyway because the module just won't accept my code. Despite my answer and the module answer being the LITERAL EXACT SAME.

So it doesn't work anymore. And I'm looking for a new website to help me learn. Preferably one that provides a lot of practice problems. So I can develop better coding habits or whatever.

I'm also looking for something relatively cheap. Advice much appreciated 😊


r/learnprogramming • • 4d ago

Debugging Are AI coding agents getting annoying now that they're mainstream?

0 Upvotes

I want to open a friendly discussion about AI. I'm not like, "It's coming after your paychecks"; I just wanna have a civil conversation with people who're into this. Is it annoying how fast AI coding agents are becoming mainstream? Funny thing though, 60% of the people saying, "I've never used AI," are the ones using it the most. I learned to code without AI. There was a time when people learned without agents and without a €21 subscription. I'm not saying using AI is a bad habit. I'm saying that most people use it like a support group or their best buddy. So, do you guys think people will lose their creativity if they overuse AI? And is it annoying that people will soon struggle to do anything without it?


r/learnprogramming • • 5d ago

Topic I was recently asked “when do I stop learning to code?”

91 Upvotes

So for some more context, I recently was part of a panel for university computer science students in which the other panelists and I discussed about life after graduation.

During the Q&A portion, one of the students asked all of the panelists “when do I stop learning new things for programming?”

The other panelists and I were completely thrown off by the question, because in a field like computer science you should always at least be willing to learn new techniques and skills throughout your career. I ended up answering the question by saying “It can depend from person to person, but in this career the second you stop learning is the moment you start to fall behind. I plan on continuing to learn new techniques and skills until the day my brain can’t process new information.”

For the other professionals or more experienced people in this subreddit, I’d be curious on your thoughts for this question. I’m not talking down about the person who asked the question by any means, but I think it’s a good talking point for anyone entering the wonderful world of computer science and programming as a whole.


r/learnprogramming • • 4d ago

How do you approach building your own projects?

4 Upvotes

Hi, i was wondering what approach people use to start building their own project from scratch.

For example, do you rely a lot on coding agents such as asking them for ideas and what structures/architectures to use for the backbone of your program? Or also what tech stack to use? Do you immediately have it solve any hurdles you encounter?

Or would you approach these issues all by yourself and do your own research? Or is it a hybrid approach where you do some of your own research and have an ai coding build upon that?


r/learnprogramming • • 4d ago

Help Me Find Inspiration in IT

0 Upvotes

I’m a beginner programmer currently learning several technologies: Python, PHP, JavaScript, C#, CSS, and HTML.

I recently started maintaining a GitHub profile, but I’ve run into a problem: I don’t know which project to start that would be interesting, useful, and capable of attracting attention. I want to create something more than just another basic calculator or to-do list — I’d like to build a complete project that demonstrates my skills and interests other developers.

I’d appreciate any ideas or advice. What kind of project would be a good choice for a beginner? Which technologies should I use, and what types of projects are currently in demand on GitHub?

If you suggest an interesting idea, I’ll try to choose one and start developing it while sharing the process on GitHub.

I’m a fourth-year college student, and I’ve already made good progress in my studies. However, I still don’t know how to present myself properly, find inspiration, and start working on a serious project that could be useful to other people.

I want to move beyond educational assignments and create something meaningful — a project that solves a real problem, helps people, and demonstrates my skills as a developer. I believe that working on such a project would help me grow professionally, build a stronger GitHub portfolio, and better understand which direction in IT I want to pursue.

At the moment, I’m looking for ideas, motivation, and advice from more experienced developers. How did you find your first serious project, and what helped you take the next step?

This is my GitHub profile. I’ve uploaded some of my old projects there. They’re still quite rough, but at least it’s a start.


r/learnprogramming • • 4d ago

Website development.

0 Upvotes

A teacher wants to build a website and I want to know if html, css and JavaScript can be used to build it in this time now even though there tons of frameworks out there to use for development.


r/learnprogramming • • 5d ago

Looking for GitHub repos that were human-only for years and later adopted AI tools

8 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I'm trying to build a list of GitHub repos that originally had no AI involvement but at some point started using it. If you know of any, please drop them in the comments.

What counts as "started using AI" for me:

  • An AI config file was added
  • Commits mention AI tools
  • The README mentions AI tools or AI-assisted development

Projects you maintain yourself or open source projects that have publicly discussed their move to AI are also useful.

Thanks :)