Have an IS/data science background, using Claude Code to learn to build a web app as a side hobby. Feeling stuck. How to improve?
Posted by Gloksinya@reddit | learnprogramming | View on Reddit | 12 comments
I have a master's in information systems and have done data science in Python, so not starting from zero. But web dev is completely new to me and this is just a side hobby for me.
So far I've watched a 22-hour JS course, learned basics of HTTP/APIs/how the web works, and started building a simple web app (HTML/CSS/JS) using Claude Code. I also have Claude explain every line of code in a separate doc, and I Google anything I don't understand.
My problem: I understand every line when I read it, and I can write bits and pieces, but I couldn't sit down and build the whole thing on my own. It's like understanding a language but not being fluent enough to hold a full conversation. Also, the architecture side of things, deployment, hosting, how it all connects, still feels abstract even though I get the concepts in theory.
How would you adjust this approach? Is learning by having AI write code while I study it viable, or am I fooling myself? Since I have a full-time job and limited time, I'm trying to find the most efficient way to learn, which is why I'm asking here. I could try writing code on my own, but how do I know if it's correct, makes sense, or follows best practices? That's why I'm wondering if a guided tutorial or course with exercises might be a better next step but I'm not sure. Any advice? Also looking for good resources to understand web app architecture, deployment, hosting, how everything fits together in practice.
StatusPhilosopher258@reddit
you’re not fooling yourself , you can
shift from reading to deciding what to build ,AI is a helper, not builder
when using ai agents try using spec-driven development tools like traycer or a spec markdown file
remember if you are struggling a bit is means you are learning
Mastersord@reddit
As everyone said already. Stop using AI to write code when learning. Do it the old fashioned way and build something just to get it to work how you expect it to. Don’t worry about code style or security (you’re not publishing this, right?) and just build it to make it work.
Once you’ve done that, add stuff like security and code style refactoring. The point is to get a picture of how it all works together and how to look at such a project for debugging and such.
AI should only be doing stuff you already know how to do or could do but it would take you a lot longer. If it produces code you don’t know how to produce yourself, you can’t fix it if it goes wrong because you don’t know it.
PalpitationOk839@reddit
his is normal. You understand code but haven’t built enough solo yet.
Try building small things end-to-end without help first, then fix mistakes.
That’s when everything starts clicking.
Similar_Cantaloupe29@reddit
Start with a basic CRUD app using a framework like Express or Flask. Deploy it to Heroku/Vercel immediately, even if broken. The deployment process will force you to understand the architecture gaps you're missing
Personal-Canary2779@reddit
Hi! Feeling stuck while building a web app with Claude Code is completely normal, especially with your IS / Data Science background. Start with small projects, gradually implement features, and focus on learning Python, Flask/Django, and SQL basics. When errors occur, follow documentation and keep practicing consistently.
I also found that studying Data Science blogs on Teks Academy really helped me understand the concepts clearly and see how projects and skills connect. You can try reading these blogs too—it really helps to clarify concepts, organize your learning, and make steady progress.
cochinescu@reddit
I had the same experience when switching from Python/data science to web stuff. What really helped me was doing tiny solo projects even if they felt pointless, like remaking a to-do list app with no references. For architecture and deployment, Netlify has a solid free tier and decent docs that helped those pieces click for me.
QuarryTen@reddit
your thread will probably get deleted since youve admitted to using AI. the mods have a firm stance on using ai while learning. it will give you appearance that you are learning, but you aren't. especially if you put it away for couple weeks and try to revisit the concepts you thought you learned.
solution: follow along the tutorial without ai. make changes. break things. debug things. make your own program akin to what you made with the tutorial. make something different, but this time do it while reading the docs of the language or package. keep making things, without ai.
aqua_regis@reddit
If it gets deleted then only because this very topic has been discussed way too often already, not because of admitting to have used AI.
Threads like OP's appear daily, if not several times per day and they basically are all the same, only the subjects of learning change.
Turbulent-Hippo-9680@reddit
What you’re describing sounds normal honestly.
Reading code and understanding code is one level. Building from a blank page is the next level, and that gap feels huge for everyone at first.
I’d keep using AI, but force yourself to build smaller chunks alone before asking for help.
hippohoney@reddit
ai is fine as a tutor not a crutch. use it to review your code not generate everything and focus on understanding architecture through repetition.
AdSubstantial5004@reddit
You're fooling yourself since you're not thinking about how to actually write the code, you're just reading it.
Something I used at the beginning when I was learning was FreeCodeCamp. It has curriculums for many web dev related topics and interactive learning as well as projects.
aqua_regis@reddit
This nails it. You are talking about two different skills that need individual training.
Read that, and compare it to the statement I quoted. You have already identified the issue in the first statement, yet, you ask in the second one if it will help you. The answer is "no".
In order to improve your writing skills, you need to write. You need to practice. And this means that you need to write your code.
You are already using AI - use it to check your code. To tell you how well it is written.
You need to reverse the process. You need to plan, design, think. You need to write the code. Then ask AI to analyze it and tell you where you can improve.
If you want to really learn, a structured course is the way to go: Free Code Camp, The Odin Project.