Fundamentals First: Why Web Dev Rookies Should Learn to Code, Not Just Prompt

In a time where AI tools can spit out snippets, scaffold apps, and automate a lot of front-end work, it’s tempting for beginners to skip the hard yards and dive straight into frameworks or AI-assisted development. But doing so can lead you into the trap of being a developer who looks busy, but lacks deep understanding, control or longevity.

The problem with “AI-first” learning

When you lean on AI from day one, you may:

• Get code you don’t understand (so when it fails you can’t fix it).
• Build things without knowing why they work or whether they’re built right.
• Become dependent on prompts rather than your own judgment and skills.

As one discussion put it:

“AI-first group ships faster but sometimes lacks deeper understanding.”

Without fundamentals, you might be riding the wave of tools rather than steering the ship.

Why fundamentals matter

Learning the basics of web development: core HTML, CSS, JavaScript, basic algorithms, version control, etc. gives you:

• Better problem-solving: You can debug, optimise, and reason about code because you understand how things work under the hood.
• Long-term adaptability: Frameworks and tools change, but fundamentals endure.
• Depth and credibility: If you merely use AI or frameworks without understanding, you’ll struggle to advance beyond copy-paste modes or superficial solutions.

What “fundamental skills” should you get comfortable with?

Here’s a suggested checklist for new web developers:

1. HTML & CSS basics – structure, semantics, layout, responsiveness.
2. Vanilla JavaScript – how the language works, how the browser executes code, the DOM, events.
3. Version control (Git) – being able to track changes, collaborate, roll back.
4. Basic algorithms/data structures & logic – even in front-end this helps your thinking.
5. Debugging workflows & reading code – not just writing, but understanding what you didn’t write.
6. Building from scratch – create something small entirely yourself before relying on templates or AI.

Then, when you’re ready: incorporate AI and frameworks

Once you’re comfortable with fundamentals, you’ll be in a strong position to adopt AI tools and frameworks, but now as an informed developer, not a user. You’ll:

• Be able to evaluate AI-generated code (is it efficient, secure, maintainable?).
• Integrate frameworks and tools more intelligently because you understand the fallback.
• Use AI as a force-multiplier rather than a crutch.

Why skipping fundamentals is risky

While the “learn-AI-first” route might feel quicker, it can lead to:

• Fragile code and architecture when you don’t understand the layers underneath.
• Limited career growth: many interviews and senior roles expect you to have underlying knowledge of how things work.
• Difficulty in debugging, refactoring, or optimising legacy code you didn’t write.

Final word

As a beginner in web development, take the time to build sound foundations. Yes, the industry is accelerating into AI, low-code, frameworks and abstractions, but the bedrock remains the basics. Invest the time now in fundamentals, and you’ll build not just projects, but real engineer instinct. Skip that step and you risk being a developer who can “make things work”, but can’t explain them, maintain them, or grow beyond them.