![I Was Using AI Wrong and It Was Making Me Dumb [ this is now what I do instead ] @CodingWithPaulBrats](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Wi35Z89s5kg/maxresdefault.jpg)
Uploaded September 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Do you ever feel like you're about to have a heart attack when the internet goes out, and suddenly you can't access Co-Pilot or your favorite AI dev tools? I know I do. It got me thinking: is all this AI tooling making me dumb?
Here's what I started doing differently. I'm a huge fan of AI tools, especially Cursor.ai, and it's been amazing.
But I also realized it can quickly become a dependency that stunts your learning to code growth.
Just like social media can rot your brain, AI tools can do the same if you're not careful.
I decided to change my approach and use AI to boost my coding skills and computer science knowledge.
In this video, I show you how I started to use AI to help me become a better developer rather than just a quick fix.
If you rely on AI to think, your coding abilities can slide.
I built a system that generates train tracks, using AI to help me learn about coding, pathfinding algorithms, and core computer science concepts.
Here are the key insights:
Use AI to enhance your understanding and develop skills, not just to find easy solutions.
I show how I used AI to overcome coding challenges and generate documentation while gradually building my project.
I highlight the value of asking AI the right questions to identify knowledge gaps and learn essential programming principles.
I encourage you to use AI as an educational tool, deepening your grasp of coding fundamentals while working on your projects.
Do you ever feel like you're about to have a heart attack when the internet goes out, and suddenly you can't access Co-Pilot or your favorite AI dev tools? I know I do. It got me thinking: is all this AI tooling making me dumb?
Here's what I started doing differently. I'm a huge fan of AI tools, especially Cursor.ai, and it's been amazing.
But I also realized it can quickly become a dependency that stunts your learning to code growth.
Just like social media can rot your brain, AI tools can do the same if you're not careful.
I decided to change my approach and use AI to boost my coding skills and computer science knowledge.
In this video, I show you how I started to use AI to help me become a better developer rather than just a quick fix.
If you rely on AI to think, your coding abilities can slide.
I built a system that generates train tracks, using AI to help me learn about coding, pathfinding algorithms, and core computer science concepts.
Here are the key insights:
Use AI to enhance your understanding and develop skills, not just to find easy solutions.
I show how I used AI to overcome coding challenges and generate documentation while gradually building my project.
I highlight the value of asking AI the right questions to identify knowledge gaps and learn essential programming principles.
I encourage you to use AI as an educational tool, deepening your grasp of coding fundamentals while working on your projects.
![I Was Using AI Wrong and It Was Making Me Dumb [ this is now what I do instead ]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Wi35Z89s5kg/mqdefault.jpg "I Was Using AI Wrong and It Was Making Me Dumb [ this is now what I do instead ]
Do you ever feel like youre about to have a heart attack when the internet goes out, and suddenly you cant access Co-Pilot or your favorite AI dev tools? I know I do. It got me thinking: is all this AI tooling making me dumb?
Heres what I started doing differently. Im a huge fan of AI tools, especially Cursor.ai, and its been amazing.
But I also realized it can quickly become a dependency that stunts your learning to code growth.
Just like social media can rot your brain, AI tools can do the same if youre not careful.
I decided to change my approach and use AI to boost my coding skills and computer science knowledge.
In this video, I show you how I started to use AI to help me become a better developer rather than just a quick fix.
If you rely on AI to think, your coding abilities can slide.
I built a system that generates train tracks, using AI to help me learn about coding, pathfinding algorithms, and core computer science concepts.
Here are the key insights:
Use AI to enhance your understanding and develop skills, not just to find easy solutions.
I show how I used AI to overcome coding challenges and generate documentation while gradually building my project.
I highlight the value of asking AI the right questions to identify knowledge gaps and learn essential programming principles.
I encourage you to use AI as an educational tool, deepening your grasp of coding fundamentals while working on your projects.")
![Learn Next.js By Building Something AWESOME! [ Next.js Tutorial Idea for Beginners ]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XqicD-v7ILU/mqdefault.jpg "Learn Next.js By Building Something AWESOME! [ Next.js Tutorial Idea for Beginners ]
First good project for beginners using Next.js, Vercel AI SDK, Chadcn UI, and Strapi to save our data.
Project Ripo: 👉 https://github.com/PaulBratslavsky/make-me-sound-less-dumb
Hey, wonderful people! In today’s video, I share a new project I built using Next.js: the Make Me Less Dumb writing tool. This app not only corrects your text but also teaches you valuable lessons to improve your writing skills.
What Youll Learn:
Project Introduction: Discover how this app tackles the real-world issue of improving writing.
Tech Stack Breakdown: Well explore the technologies used, including Next.js, OpenAI, and Strapi.
Step-by-Step Code Walkthrough: Join me as I dive into the code and showcase how the app enhances and analyzes text.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn how to approach project ideas by solving genuine problems.
- Understand the basics of form handling and server actions in Next.js.
- Gain insights into calling external APIs and storing data with a headless CMS.
If youre interested in a full tutorial on building this project, dont forget to hit the like button and leave a comment!")
![Building a Dynamic Website Landing Page With Next.js 15 and Strapi 5 Headless CMS [ Code Included ]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/YhEVIGzJD1Y/mqdefault.jpg "Building a Dynamic Website Landing Page With Next.js 15 and Strapi 5 Headless CMS [ Code Included ]
How to structure and manage your dynamic content in Next.js with Strapi.
👉🏻 Code on GitHub: https://github.com/PaulBratslavsky/strapi-blocks-demo-next-js
✨ Next.js 15 and Strapi Demo: https://strapi.link/strapi-and-nextjs
😅 My website: https://www.codingafterthirty.com
Chapters
00:00 Create a dynamic landing page using Next.js and Strapi.
03:11 Rendering Dynamic content in Next.js with block renderer component.
04:29 Focus on building and not on content management.
05:56 Build a dynamic website with Next.js and Strapi for easy content management.
06:48 Set up a Next.js and Strapi project.
Learn how to use Strapi 5s Dynamic Zones with Next.js 15 to build and render dynamic pages effortlessly. Strapi’s headless CMS makes content management easy for non-technical users, while Next.js dynamically renders components based on Strapi’s structured API data.
Strapi’s Collection Types organize content into reusable sections like Hero banners, headings, and carousels, which map directly to components in Next.js. Content updates in Strapi are instantly reflected in your application, streamlining collaboration between content creators and developers.
Key Highlights:
Manage dynamic content with Strapi’s Dynamic Zones and API integration.
Map Strapi blocks directly to Next.js components for efficient page building.
Easily update content in Strapi and see changes live in Next.js after publishing.")
![Freelancing vs Employment: Which Path Will Boost Your Career? [ For Self Taught Developers ]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/YsgXebtipSU/mqdefault.jpg "Freelancing vs Employment: Which Path Will Boost Your Career? [ For Self Taught Developers ]
Lets talk about freelancing vs employment and which is the right path and challenges with each.
Full episode 👉🏻https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPZxLGdunF0 with @coffeecodeandchat and @kizo-niklas
In today’s job market, the differences between freelancing and traditional employment can significantly influence your career trajectory. Join Paul and Nik as they delve into the mindset of freelancers, the importance of continuous learning, and how to embrace rapid iteration for personal growth.
Chapters
00:00 Freelancers need to constantly upskill due to instability, while employees enjoy security but may lack motivation to grow, making entrepreneurial skills valuable for all. Expand
01:42 Freelancers must constantly adapt their skills to market demands, while employees enjoy job security but may become complacent in their professional development.
02:27 Freelancing offers flexibility and independence but comes with increased stress and financial uncertainty compared to traditional employment.
02:59 Freelancing can be stressful and isnt for everyone, but it encourages creative thinking and problem-solving.
03:18 Freelancing offers flexibility and opportunities for side projects, but may lack job security, making it essential to consider personal circumstances before choosing this path.
04:09 Finding a career path that aligns with your mindset and passions is crucial for motivation and skill development.
04:49 Embracing rapid iteration and learning from failures enhances development skills and leads to better product outcomes.
05:48 Embracing a systematic approach in freelancing can enhance efficiency, but incorporating unique elements in each project fosters growth and learning.
5 Key Topics:
- The Freelance Mindset: Understanding the differences in job security and skill development between employees and freelancers.
- Continuous Learning: The necessity of investing time in skill enhancement as a freelancer.
- Rapid Iteration: Learning from failures and the value of building quickly to improve skills.
- Comfort Zone Expansion: The importance of stepping outside your comfort zone with each new project.
- Freelancing as a Safety Net: How freelancing can provide additional security in an unpredictable job market.")
