Spent a Saturday at a local coding meetup and felt like I was in the wrong room

I went to a beginner coding meetup in Austin last month, and everyone there was hyped about AI and machine learning. They were talking about Python libraries and neural networks like it was day one stuff. But I'm over here still trying to get my head around for loops and if statements. I get that AI is the hot thing right now, but I think it's sending beginners down the wrong path. You don't need to jump into the deep end when you can barely float. In my experience, basics like data types and debugging logic will carry you way further than memorizing a framework. Am I the only one who thinks people should stick to simple console apps before touching any AI stuff?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_elizabeth26d ago

Actually I think there's room for both approaches. I went to a similar meetup here in Denver and the AI stuff was way over my head at first too. But the thing is, a lot of those people started with the basics and just moved fast. They probably did their time with console apps and simple scripts before jumping into neural networks. The Python libraries like NumPy and TensorFlow actually forced me to get better at debugging and understanding data types because you have to feed them the right shaped data or nothing works. Plus seeing a practical AI project can make the boring stuff feel more worth learning. Its like learning to cook - you can master boiling water first, but sometimes following a complex recipe teaches you techniques you wouldnt pick up otherwise.

patricialee26d ago

I saw this article about how kids learn coding through game mods and it made the same point. They pick up the hard stuff because they want to make their character do something cool. My nephew learned more about variables tweaking Minecraft than any class could teach him.

ray13625d ago

Saw a similar take on a podcast and @the_elizabeth nailed it with that cooking comparison.