Coding with AI Best Practices

AI-assisted coding is a valuable way to improve your skills, troubleshoot errors, and understand complex concepts. However, using AI responsibly is essential. While AI can help with debugging and problem-solving, over-reliance can slow your growth as a developer. This guide covers best practices to make the most of AI while strengthening your coding abilities.

The following best practices will help you develop your coding skills while leveraging AI in a responsible and effective way.

Developing Strong Coding Habits

  • Think First: Try to solve it yourself before asking AI for help.
  • Learn from AI: Ask “why” instead of “how.”
  • Debug Smart: Read the error message first, then use AI to help.
  • Practice Solo: Develop your own approach to a problem, and if you get stuck, ask AI to review your method and suggest improvements.
  • Learn from Answers: When AI gives you code, figure out how it works and try to do it yourself.
  • Break Down Concepts: Use AI to clarify difficult or complex theories by requesting simplified explanations with basic examples.
  • Talk to People: Use platforms like Stack Overflow and course discussion boards to supplement AI, fostering human collaboration and learning from peers. Also, reach out to your professor with questions.
  • Build Mini-Projects: Use AI to help brainstorm project ideas or improve existing code rather than starting entirely from scratch.
  • Dissect AI-generated Code: When AI generates code, dissect it to understand the logic and try to recreate the solution on your own.
  • Backwards Building: Think of an application that would be useful or enjoyable, and ask AI for guidance on creating a simple version yourself.

Free Tools & What They Do

  • ChatGPT: Explains code, gives examples, and breaks down how things work. Ask it questions, but double-check the answers!
  • Claude.ai: Chatbot for coding help. Can handle lots of text, explains things well, and helps with debugging.
  • GitHub Copilot: Suggests code as you type and integrates with Visual Studio Code. Good for auto-completing repetitive code and learning patterns. Apply for a free student account.
  • Replit: AI features for generating code, debugging, and giving hints. The free account has access to some AI features.

Using AI Responsibly for Learning

  • Academic Integrity: AI can serve as an assistant, debugger, and ideation tool in your learning process. However, ensure you use it ethically—AI should help you find solutions, not simply give them. Always adhere to Academic Honesty at Champlain College policy. 
  • Acknowledge AI Contributions: If AI-generated content is incorporated into your project, clearly indicate which parts were assisted by AI.
    • Project acknowledgement:
      • “Portions of this code were assisted by ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025).”
    • APA format (cite the tool’s publisher as the author):
      • In-text citation: (OpenAI, 2025)
      • References entry: OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (4o mini) [Large language model]. https://chatgpt.com/
  • Be Critical of AI Output: AI-assisted coding tools can sometimes reflect biases, include errors, or provide outdated information. Always verify and fact-check any AI-generated code or insights to ensure accuracy and fairness.

AI is a powerful tool, but it is your curiosity, critical thinking, and persistence that will make you a great developer. Use AI to learn rather than to take shortcuts. With practice, you’ll confidently tackle coding challenges—with or without AI assistance.