How I’d Learn to Code in 2025 With AI (If I Had to Start Over)

Summary

In this video, the speaker reflects on their journey of learning to code, starting at the age of 8, and contrasts the tools available back then with today's advanced AI-assisted resources. They emphasize the importance of setting clear, project-based goals when learning to code, and highlight the role of AI tools like ChatGPT and AI coding editors in making the process faster and more efficient. The speaker also explains the benefits of focused and diffuse thinking for problem-solving and the importance of version control in coding. Overall, the video provides actionable advice to help aspiring coders learn more effectively in 2025.

Takeaways

• 😀 Learning to code today is easier than ever, thanks to resources like AI coding editors and access to instant help from platforms like ChatGPT.
• 😀 Identifying a clear goal when starting to learn programming is essential to stay focused and avoid distractions.
• 😀 It’s important to break down your goal into smaller components so you understand the necessary skills for the project you want to complete.
• 😀 Learning to code early in life can have a profound impact on cognitive abilities, making problem-solving and logical thinking easier.
• 😀 The best way to learn programming is through a project-based goal, which helps you apply your knowledge and see tangible progress.
• 😀 Overloading yourself with too much information without applying it to a project can lead to burnout and lack of retention, as seen in the example of the data engineering learner.
• 😀 Start with the critical components of your project and learn them first—focusing on the most important features that are essential to completing your goal.
• 😀 ChatGPT is a powerful tool for breaking down complex concepts into manageable parts, allowing for interactive learning and continuous feedback.
• 😀 Version control, such as Git, is crucial for managing large projects and tracking progress over time, ensuring you can revisit and edit previous versions.
• 😀 Focused and diffuse thinking play a significant role in solving complex coding problems—sometimes stepping away from a problem can lead to breakthroughs.
• 😀 Using AI-driven coding editors, like Cursor, can drastically improve your coding productivity and help you stay competitive in the modern coding landscape.

Q & A

What motivated the speaker to first learn coding at the age of 8?

The speaker wanted to make games on Roblox and create websites, which sparked their interest in learning to code.

How has learning to code become easier in recent years?

Learning to code has become easier due to the availability of resources like AI coding editors and platforms that provide instant help, such as chat-based AI like ChatGPT.

What tools did the speaker use to learn coding 16 years ago?

The speaker used tools like Notepad++, Stack Overflow, and YouTube channels like The New Boston to learn coding back then.

What significant change in coding has the speaker observed over time?

The speaker observes that with modern tools and AI assistance, tasks that once took months, such as building a mobile app, can now be accomplished in a fraction of the time, like a week.

Why does the speaker believe learning to code makes you smarter?

Learning to code rewires the brain to think more logically and break down problems effectively, which helped the speaker get into Cambridge University and study physics.

What advice does the speaker give to those just starting to learn to code?

The speaker advises starting with a clear goal, such as building a mobile app or automating a business process, as it provides direction and ensures progress.

What common mistake did a person in the video make during their learning process?

The person spent a year learning basics without focusing on applying the knowledge to real projects, leading to shallow understanding and forgetting information quickly.

What is the importance of breaking down a project when learning to code?

Breaking down a project helps identify the necessary components and ensures a deeper understanding of how everything fits together before starting the actual build.

How does the speaker suggest using ChatGPT to help with coding problems?

The speaker recommends using ChatGPT to break down complex tasks and provide step-by-step guidance. This interactive approach helps keep the learner engaged and ensures better understanding.

What is the role of version control in programming, and why is it important?

Version control allows programmers to save their progress and manage different versions of a project. It’s important for tracking changes and collaborating on large projects.

What is diffuse thinking, and how can it help with solving coding problems?

Diffuse thinking refers to stepping away from a problem and allowing the mind to wander, which can help uncover solutions that aren’t obvious during focused thinking. This approach is particularly useful when stuck on difficult coding issues.

What technique did Thomas Edison use that the speaker found useful for problem-solving?

Thomas Edison used the technique of nearly falling asleep with a ball bearing in his hand to trigger a moment of insight. The speaker adapted this by taking short naps to help solve challenging problems.