r/learnprogramming • u/Artistic-Stable-3623 • 3d ago
how to learn "software engineering"
Hi guys, I'm a senior in high school, and I'm really confused on where to go
for the record I do know a decent amount of C++ / python (for comp coding and classes) but since then I've started to move to personal projects....
The purpose of these projects is to improve my knowledge tenfold and learn how real software is made. But online, EVERYONE says "coding is dead, and to learn architecture".
But how do you learn that?
Do I delegate sections to AI and then have it explain? Do I create what goes where and then tell the Ai to make it? Or Do I just code it all myself with AI to debug (taking an absurd time).
I feel like only the third one will have me actually learning completely, but at the same time, it'll take 20x the time, and with 20 projects I could probably reach the same level (or more) of learning by having it make + I explain? AHHH i'm just not sure how to make myself super smart and knowledgeable for swe
thanks in advance :)
1
u/boblibam 3d ago
You speak of the time it takes to create code. But as a learner you gotta get that out of your head. Your goal isn’t to be fast. Your goal is to learn. And you learn by repetition, taking time and struggling.
Think of working out. If the workout is easy it basically means you didn’t build any muscle. It’s the same for your brain. If you have AI do it and then read the result you have an illusion of learning but won’t be able to do anything yourself.
Try to struggle through building things yourself asking AI to be a tutor, never giving you the answer but only guiding you to help practice.
And as others said: you learn architecture by building large enough projects. That means, don’t go “ok that’s good enough”. Go the extra mile and polish it. Those last 20% of polish are usually where 80% of learning is at.