1 year into software engineering and worried I'm not developing real engineering skills

📰 Reddit r/learnprogramming

New software engineers can develop reliance on AI coding tools, hindering traditional engineering skills, and need strategies to balance AI use with foundational skill development

intermediate Published 11 Jun 2026
Action Steps
  1. Assess your current workflow to identify areas where AI tools are used most heavily
  2. Set aside time to work on small projects without AI assistance to practice foundational skills
  3. Focus on understanding the 'why' behind the code, not just the 'how'
  4. Review and practice debugging techniques manually
  5. Discuss your concerns with a mentor or senior engineer to gain their perspective
Who Needs to Know This

Junior software engineers and their mentors can benefit from understanding the importance of balancing AI tool usage with traditional engineering skills to ensure well-rounded development

Key Insight

💡 Relying too heavily on AI coding tools can hinder the development of traditional engineering skills, which are essential for a successful career in software engineering

Share This
🚨 New devs, don't rely too heavily on AI coding tools! Balance AI use with traditional skill development to become a well-rounded engineer 💻

Key Takeaways

New software engineers can develop reliance on AI coding tools, hindering traditional engineering skills, and need strategies to balance AI use with foundational skill development

Full Article

I have about 1 year of experience as a software engineer, and I'm looking for advice from more experienced developers. I started my career when AI coding tools were already available, so I've never really experienced software development without them. From day one, AI has been part of how I write code, debug issues, and learn new things. The problem is that I now feel overly dependent on it. I can get features working, but I often struggle t
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