Since I am brand new to development with KivyMD, I use the free version of Microsoft Copilot in the role of a tutor.

This works because I did learn how to make basic applications for Android and iOS in school, so the help came in the form of prompts like "In Android development I could do <insert task>, how is this accomplished in KivyMD?" It would show me the basic design pattern and I would then work on implementing it in the code. It is also helpful in solving complex trace errors in Python, as this is now a complex app structure.

Kivy (and kivyMD) allow me to leverage the python skills I have built up in a real structured application without the overkill of a big Python framework such as Django.

So I would follow the design pattern of designing from the start screen down every button path, building screens and solving issues as I go. All of the issues with using AI quickly disappear if you use it in this manner. Since it is not writing the code, it does not hallucinate. I tend to pick descriptive variable names and file names so I can tell what is going on easier. Since I am not relying on AI to do the heavy lifting, there is no complex or poorly designed "spaghetti code" to unravel. No paid AI account required. Could have used ChatGPT, but one thing I have found is that giving Copilot a "role" like a tutor, it does a better job of only giving you what is asked AND explaining issues like Kivy UI timing that I might not have fully understood just starting out.

The bottom line is that AI can be useful without becoming a crutch, IF you already have coding experience... I have no idea of how "vibe coders", those who generate code without knowing anything about coding, do what they do.

Sure it is taking me months instead of days or even hours to get this done, but I understand how everything works because I built it. When it comes time to replace Cash4Life with Millionaire4Life, I know exactly what files need to change and where to find them.

AI does help keep focus to the task at hand as well, instead of trying to solve all problems at once, I am learning to resolve issues and implement features in a clean and organized manner.