Start Coding with AI: A Quick Guide for Beginners

Class Code	Date	Delivery Method	Cost
ITS-1977	Tue Jul 15, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Thu Jul 17, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm	Live Online - 2 sessions	$450

Before each live online session, Tech Training will provide a Zoom link for live online classes, along with any required class materials.

Learn to code with AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Cursor.ai. This hands-on course shows how AI simplifies debugging, code generation, and programming concepts perfect for beginners looking to boost learning and development with smart, practical help.

Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives:
- Understand the role of AI in simplifying coding tasks for beginners.
- Use ChatGPT and Claude to explain coding concepts in straightforward, beginner-friendly language.
- Leverage Cursor.ai for smart code completion, debugging, and automation, even with minimal coding knowledge.
- Improve problem-solving skills by interacting with AI to break down technical challenges step by step.
- Generate and refine code using AI, making programming more accessible to non-coders.
- Explore AI best practices and ethical considerations in code generation and learning.

Topic Outline

Topic Outline:

Introduction to AI-Assisted Coding
- Overview of AI in code editing
- Understanding the capabilities and limitations of coding assistants
- Walkthrough of ChatGPT Canvas, Claude, and Cursor.ai

Effective Prompt Engineering for Beginners
- Basics of prompting for coding tasks
- Structuring prompts for debugging, optimization, and explanation
- Hands-on exercises: Writing prompts for simple coding challenges

Using ChatGPT Canvas for Coding
- Writing and refining beginner-friendly code with ChatGPT
- Debugging and troubleshooting code in plain language
- Hands-on: Generating and improving simple code snippets with ChatGPT Canvas

Leveraging Claude for Coding
- Claude's capabilities in software development
- Using Claude for code completion and documentation
- Hands-on: AI-powered problem-solving with Claude for entry-level tasks

Exploring Cursor.ai for AI-Powered Development
- Cursor.ai as an intelligent coding assistant
- Automated refactoring and AI-driven suggestions for beginners
- Hands-on: Using Cursor.ai for live coding and debugging practice

Real-world applications and Best Practices
- Integrating AI coding assistants into personal and professional projects
- Ethical considerations and code quality assurance
- Hands-on: Building a mini-project using AI-powered coding tools

Training material provided: Yes (Digital format)

Prerequisites

Pre-requisite: No prior coding experience is required, although familiarity with basic computer usage is recommended.

Audience: Gen AI enthusiasts, aspiring developers, and professionals curious about AI-assisted coding

Custom training workshops are available for this program

Technology training sessions structured around individual or group learning objectives. Learn more about custom training

University IT Technology Training sessions are available to a wide range of participants, including Stanford University staff, faculty, students, and employees of Stanford Hospitals & Clinics, such as Stanford Health Care, Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley, Stanford Medicine Partners, and Stanford Medicine Children's Health.

Additionally, some of these programs are open to interested individuals not affiliated with Stanford, allowing for broader community engagement and learning opportunities.