The 5 Most Common Mistakes New Coders Make with AI Tools

In 2026, the landscape of coding has transformed dramatically with the rise of AI tools. While these tools promise to make coding easier and faster, many new coders still stumble over some common pitfalls. Whether you're just starting out or transitioning from a non-coding background, avoiding these mistakes can save you a lot of time and frustration.

1. Relying Too Heavily on AI Suggestions

What it is

New coders often lean on AI tools like GitHub Copilot or ChatGPT to write entire blocks of code for them. This can lead to a lack of understanding of fundamental concepts.

Pricing

• GitHub Copilot: $10/month
• ChatGPT: Free tier + $20/month for Plus

Limitations

Both tools can generate code snippets but may not always provide the most efficient or secure solutions.

Our Take

We use GitHub Copilot for quick suggestions, but we always double-check the logic to ensure we understand what’s happening.

2. Skipping Documentation and Tutorials

What it is

Many new coders jump straight into coding without reading the documentation for the tools they're using. This leads to confusion and wasted time.

Pricing

• MDN Web Docs: Free
• Codecademy: Free tier + $39.99/month for Pro

Limitations

While MDN is comprehensive, it can be overwhelming. Codecademy’s Pro tier offers guided learning but at a cost.

Our Take

We recommend starting with MDN for JavaScript basics and using Codecademy for more structured learning paths.

3. Ignoring Version Control

What it is

New coders often overlook the importance of using version control systems like Git. This can lead to loss of work or confusion in collaborative projects.

Pricing

• Git: Free
• GitHub: Free for public repositories, $4/month for Pro

Limitations

While Git is powerful, it has a steep learning curve, especially for beginners.

Our Take

We use GitHub for all our projects and recommend spending time learning Git basics to avoid headaches later.

4. Failing to Test Code Regularly

What it is

New coders sometimes write extensive amounts of code without testing it regularly. This leads to harder-to-find bugs and increased debugging time.

Pricing

• Jest: Free
• Postman: Free tier + $12/month for Pro

Limitations

Testing frameworks can be complex, and setting them up may take time.

Our Take

We’ve integrated Jest into our workflow to ensure we catch issues early, saving us time in the long run.

5. Not Understanding the Limitations of AI Tools

What it is

New coders often assume that AI tools are infallible and can handle any coding task. This leads to poor-quality code and security vulnerabilities.

Pricing

• OpenAI API: $0.03 per 1k tokens
• DeepCode: Free tier + $15/month for Pro

Limitations

AI-generated code may not be optimized and can contain security flaws.

Our Take

We’ve encountered security issues with AI-generated code and always conduct thorough reviews.

Comparison Table of AI Tools for New Coders

| Tool | Pricing | Best For | Limitations | Our Verdict | |-----------------|------------------------------|-------------------------------|--------------------------------------|----------------------------------| | GitHub Copilot | $10/month | Code suggestions | May produce inefficient code | Great for quick help | | ChatGPT | Free tier + $20/month | Conversational coding help | Can generate incorrect code | Useful for explanations | | MDN Web Docs | Free | Learning resources | Overwhelming for beginners | Essential for reference | | Codecademy | Free tier + $39.99/month | Structured learning | Costly for Pro tier | Good for guided learning | | Git | Free | Version control | Steep learning curve | Must-learn for all developers | | GitHub | Free for public, $4/month Pro| Hosting projects | Limited to public repos for free | Best for collaboration | | Jest | Free | Unit testing | Setup can be complex | Necessary for quality assurance | | Postman | Free tier + $12/month Pro | API testing | Limited features in free tier | Worth the Pro upgrade | | OpenAI API | $0.03 per 1k tokens | AI-generated responses | Can produce flawed outputs | Use cautiously | | DeepCode | Free tier + $15/month Pro | Code quality analysis | Limited to certain languages | Good for code reviews |

What We Actually Use

In our experience, we rely heavily on GitHub for version control, GitHub Copilot for quick coding assistance, and Jest for testing. We recommend starting with these tools to build a solid foundation.

Conclusion: Start Here

If you're new to coding and want to leverage AI tools effectively, start by committing to learning the basics of coding and version control. Use AI tools as assistants, not crutches, and always prioritize understanding over convenience. This approach will make you a more competent coder in the long run.