Our Learning Philosophy

Codistry doesn't teach you to memorize code. We teach you to think like a developer.

This distinction matters more than ever in the age of AI-assisted coding.

Mental Models Over Memorization

A mental model is a simplified understanding of how something works. You don't need to know every detail of how a car engine functions to be a good driver — but you do need a basic model: gas makes it go, brakes make it stop, the steering wheel controls direction.

Coding is the same. You don't need to memorize every function in Python. You need to understand: what's a variable? What's a function? How does data flow through a program? What's the difference between the code running on your computer and code running on a server?

With solid mental models, you can figure out the details. Without them, you're just copying and pasting without understanding.

AI as Partner, Not Replacement

AI coding tools are incredibly powerful. They can write functions, explain errors, suggest solutions, and generate entire applications. But they can't replace you.

Here's why: AI doesn't understand your goals. It doesn't know what "good" looks like for your project. It can't catch its own mistakes. It sometimes hallucinates — confidently producing code that doesn't work or doesn't exist.

Your job is to be the human in the loop. The one who knows what you're building, why, and whether the AI's output actually gets you there. That requires understanding, not just prompting.

Why Before How

Throughout this curriculum, we explain why before how. Why do operating systems exist? Why do we need databases? Why does networking work the way it does?

Once you understand why something exists, the how makes sense. Skip the why, and you're memorizing arbitrary facts that evaporate under pressure.

You're Going to Get Stuck

One more thing: getting stuck is part of the process. Every developer — no matter how experienced — spends time confused. That's not a sign you're bad at this. It's the craft.

The goal isn't to never be confused. It's to develop the skills to get unstuck.