Learning with LLMs

Ask it to explain

LLMs arrived in late 2022. I taught myself for years without them, so I know what they can and can't replace.

Ask it to explain. Never ask it to write code you haven't tried first.

What an LLM is

A model that predicts likely text. It's often right, sometimes confidently wrong, and it has no idea whether your program runs.

Where it shines

Giving you exactly the explanation you need, at your level, right when you're stuck. It's a patient tutor at any hour.

The rule, in practice

1. Try it yourself first, even badly.
2. When you're stuck, paste your attempt and ask what's going on.
3. Ask why, then rewrite the fix in your own words.
4. If you can't explain the code, you haven't learned it yet.