Why ChatGPT Makes You Worse at Coding (and What to Do Instead)

ChatGPT can generate high-quality code for junior developers and even provide explanations of complex concepts. However, for those learning to code, relying on ChatGPT can hinder the learning process. When beginners copy code they do not fully understand, they miss out on crucial learning opportunities, such as predicting code output and understanding the reasoning behind each step.

The key to effective learning is an active approach: predicting what the code should do before writing it, writing the solution, and then comparing it to a reference solution. This process allows learners to identify gaps in their knowledge and strengthen their understanding.

For example, when asked to filter a list to include only numbers greater than 5, a learner should predict the best approach (using a for loop, list comprehension, or the filter function), write their solution, and then compare it to a reference solution. If their approach differs from the reference, they should explain why and learn from the difference.

While ChatGPT can be a valuable tool for explaining code, it should not be used to generate code outright. Passive usage, such as asking ChatGPT to write a function without engaging in the learning process, leads to superficial understanding and ultimately hinders progress.

To improve coding skills, learners should adopt this active approach for seven days. Whenever they encounter a piece of code, they should stop and write down their prediction in a comment or elsewhere. After running the code, they should check their prediction and, if it was incorrect, write a brief explanation of why. This practice will help learners catch bugs before running the code and develop a stronger mental model of how code works.

By incorporating this structured prediction loop into their learning routine, learners can leverage ChatGPT as a powerful study aid without falling into the trap of passive code generation. This approach will ultimately lead to a deeper understanding of coding concepts and more effective problem-solving skills.