Learning how to code? Let Generative AI help you!

12

October

2024

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When I started on my Python learning journey with Datacamp, I was excited, but I also faced challenges that tested my patience. As someone from a non-technical background, the structured logic of coding felt overwhelming. Even Python’s supposedly beginner-friendly syntax often appeared complex, especially when I encountered errors that I couldn’t quickly resolve.

Early on, one of the most frustrating issues I faced was debugging. It often led to roadblocks in simple mistakes like indentation errors or variable mismanagement. Despite the comprehensive learning modules on Datacamp, I often found it difficult to understand why my code wasn’t functioning as expected. Traditional resources usually provided solutions that didn’t quite align with my specific problem.

Moreover, applying theoretical concepts like loops, functions, and list comprehensions in practice was a significant challenge. While I could follow along with the lessons, I often found myself lost when it came time to solve problems independently. It became clear that I needed more personalized explanations to bridge the gap between theory and application.

That’s when I began using Datacamp’s integrated AI assistant, which proved to be a lifesaver. The AI provided on-demand explanations of the coding assignments, breaking down what each line of code was doing and helping me understand the purpose behind every function and operation. For example, when working on loops, the AI would offer examples and explain them in simpler terms, helping me grasp how to apply these concepts to real-world problems. It even helped me understand more complex concepts like recursion by providing step-by-step explanations and visualizations.

The AI didn’t just solve problems for me—it taught me how to approach coding challenges. Offering multiple ways to write a function or fix an error encouraged me to think critically about my coding style and improved my overall understanding.

I know this may sound like a promotion, but I genuinely recommend Datacamp to anyone interested in learning to code. It provides the most interactive learning experience, and the integrated AI makes the journey much smoother and more enjoyable.

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AI Laptop: A revolution or just a gimmick

20

September

2024

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The AI Laptops trend is just starting, but there are already numerous controversy around it.

Since 2020, the AI boom has brought about what people would call “The new AI era”, with Large Language Model (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Gemini, Dall-e made available to the public. While it was fun at first to try out different promts and requests for quick and diverse answers, AI tools have become smarter and capable of much more. And now, the tech giants are turning their eyes toward not only GenAI tools, but to intergrate various AI tools directly into their products with AI laptops.

As presented in their event on 20/05/2024, Microsoft has introduced some new features like Recall, CoCreator, Live Captions, and Windows Studio Effects in their new CoPilot+ PCs, a new category of Windows PCs for AI. All of which is made possible by a new hardware called neural processing unit (NPU).

Taking a look at an example, the Slim 7x laptop equipped with CoPilot+ PC from Lenovo which Hardware Canucks did a review video on. The initial impression was that it functioned exactly like a regular laptop. You got around 4 hours of heavy usage on the battery (editing, working, gaming, etc), the camera was mediocre, and the touchpad felt cheap. Though the design was beautiful, and the display was spot on.

What is more, when testing out the new AI features, apparently, the Recall feature, which was supposed to help you remember certain information on your PC, like having photographic memory, they took it back due to a huge backlash with privacy concerns. CoCreate is another function that helps you visualize your ideas by combining your ink strokes in Paint and Photos with text promts to generate new images. But again, the result was inferior to a free request from ChatGPT. And what might be the worst drawback of all is that you still have to be connected to the internet to use the AI tools, which defeat the whole purpose of a local on device AI.

In conclusion, the idea is very promising on paper, with vision of personal local AI tools that can assist you on a daily basis. But in reality, maybe we will have to wait for another 2 to 3 years before we see a significant impact from AI powered devices. For now, what do you think of this new technology? Leave a comment below!

References

Freedman, A. E. (2024, June 15). What is an AI PC and do you actually need one? Tom’s Hardware. https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/what-is-an-ai-pc

Hardware Canucks. (2024, September 4). I Used a CoPilot+ PC for 30 Days. . .So you Don’t Have To [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UzedKsBww0

Sharma, B. (2024, May 21). AI laptops: What they are, how they work, and which ones to buy | Mint. Mint. https://www.livemint.com/technology/gadgets/ai-laptops-what-they-are-how-they-work-and-which-ones-to-buy-11716267806905.html

Wikipedia contributors. (2024, September 20). History of artificial intelligence. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_artificial_intelligence#:~:text=The%20field%20of%20AI%20research,during%20the%20summer%20of%201956.

Mehdi, Y. (2024, June 18). Introducing Copilot+ PCs – The Official Microsoft Blog. The Official Microsoft Blog. https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2024/05/20/introducing-copilot-pcs/

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