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Best Practices for Learning with AI Tools

AI tools like ChatGPT can be incredibly helpful as you learn to code—but only if you use them strategically. This guide covers how to use AI as a tool for learning, debugging, and exploring new concepts—without relying on it to do the thinking

Use AI to learn, not just get the answers

AI tools like ChatGPT can be incredibly helpful—but they should be used as a learning aid, not a shortcut. Instead of asking AI to simply fix your code, try asking it to explain what's going wrong or walk you through the logic.

Try asking:

  • “Can you explain what this error means and how I might fix it?”
  • “Walk me through this concept, but don’t give me the full answer yet.”
  • “Give me a hint, not the solution.”
  • “What should I understand before trying to debug this?”

The goal is to build understanding, not bypass the problem-solving process.

AI can be wrong

AI tools are not perfect. They can be out of date or confidently incorrect. Use them as a partner, not an authority.

You can link articles, paste code, attach screenshots, or reference videos to give ChatGPT helpful context—but always verify its responses.

Good habits:

  • Ask: “Can you provide a source for this?”
  • Cross-check advice with official documentation or trusted tutorials
  • Rerun or refactor the code yourself to test your understanding
  • Use the tool to reinforce your learning, not replace it

Customize ChatGPT

One of ChatGPT's most useful features is the ability to set custom instructions that influence how it responds.

For example, you can ask it to:

  • “Avoid visual language—explain step by step”
  • “Use comparisons I can feel or hear, not imagine”
  • “Give me mental checklists instead of diagrams”
  • “Repeat concepts in different ways to reinforce them”

You can also personalize the tone or depth of responses with custom settings like:

  • “Use deep research mode”
  • “Teach me like I’m a visual learner”
  • “Use memorable metaphors”
  • “Talk like a mentor who explains things clearly and casually”

Customizing your AI interactions can help you learn more effectively and reduce frustration.

Ask follow up questions

Don't stop at the first response. If something isn’t clear, ask again or rephrase your question.

Try follow-ups like:

  • “Can you explain that in a different way?”
  • “What are some common mistakes here?”
  • “What should I try if this doesn’t work?”

And if you're using the free tier and hit a limit? Google it! Keep exploring. Stay curious.

Things to avoid

  • Just copy/pasting code without understanding it
  • Assuming AI is always right
  • Not checking for errors or testing
  • Letting it do the thinking for you


Like any tool, AI is most powerful when paired with curiosity, critical thinking, and consistent practice.

Keep asking questions, follow your instincts, and use these strategies to get the most out of every interaction. You're not just learning how to code—you're learning how to think like a developer.