The guide for junior developers who want to use AI to accelerate their learning—without becoming dependent on it.
The hard truth: AI can make you 3x more productive or unemployable in 3 years. The difference? How you use it.
Answer each question honestly. Your score appears after answering all 5.
Which one are you? Be honest.
Signs: Copy-paste without understanding, can't debug AI code, anxiety without AI
→ Read "Breaking Dependency" sectionSigns: Refuses AI "on principle", slower than peers, missing out on productivity gains
→ Read "Embracing AI Tools" sectionSigns: Uses AI critically, understands everything, can work with or without AI
→ Read "Optimizing Your Flow" sectionYour framework for learning with AI without losing skills.
Before asking AI: State the problem in ONE sentence. List 3 possible approaches. Identify what you DON'T know. Then ask AI with context.
If you can't explain the code to a colleague, you don't understand it. Period.
Never copy-paste raw. Modify at least ONE element: variable name, structure, edge case. Modification forces understanding.
End each session by noting ONE thing you learned. Not a journal—just one insight.
Claude Code can be configured to support learning, not just producing code.
Add this to your project's CLAUDE.md to make Claude ask questions before generating code:
## Learning Mode
Before generating code, ask me:
1. What approaches have I considered?
2. What am I stuck on specifically?
3. What do I expect the solution to look like?
If I skip these, remind me to think first.
/explain |
Explain existing code (built-in) |
/learn:quiz |
Test your understanding after implementing |
/learn:teach |
Step-by-step explanation of a topic |
/learn:alternatives |
Show other approaches & trade-offs |
Balance producing and learning each week:
Week-by-week guide to mastering AI-assisted development.
| Week | Focus | AI Ratio | Exercise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Foundations | 20% AI | Build feature WITHOUT AI, then compare |
| Week 2 | Understanding | 40% AI | Use AI, but explain every line |
| Week 3 | Critical Use | 60% AI | Challenge AI suggestions, find bugs |
| Week 4 | Augmented | 70% AI | Full productivity with verification |
Configure Claude Code for learning, not just producing.
Configuration that makes Claude explain WHY, not just WHAT. Includes challenge mode and interview prep.
Quiz, teach, and explore alternatives. Namespaced commands for learning workflows.
Session-end hook that prompts for ONE learning insight. Builds a learning journal with zero friction.
The full guide includes: Red flags checklist, breaking dependency strategies, case studies, and more.