Student Transforms Coding Experience with NotebookLM and VS Code

A computer science student has reported a significant improvement in her coding efficiency by integrating NotebookLM with VS Code. This combination has not only simplified her coding workflow but also enhanced her understanding of complex coding concepts.

Currently enrolled in a computer science program, the student acknowledges that mastering coding can be challenging. She often finds herself overwhelmed with information and struggling to retain what she learns in class. While she has relied on NotebookLM for memorization-heavy courses, she had never thought to apply it to her coding assignments until recently. By pairing it with VS Code, she discovered a new approach to streamline her coding process.

The student explained that, during late-night study sessions, recalling specific lines of code can be difficult. She previously experimented with various AI tools, such as ChatGPT, to clarify her understanding. However, these tools often provided excessive information, suggesting multiple optimization techniques instead of straightforward explanations.

In contrast, NotebookLM operates as a source-grounded tool. It only references the materials users upload or share, avoiding broad web searches. This feature allows the AI to offer precise explanations tailored to the user’s specific code. For example, when the student needed clarification on a specific programming concept, she created a NotebookLM entry, pasted her code, and requested a step-by-step breakdown. The AI delivered a clear analysis, even identifying the algorithm used in her code.

Moreover, NotebookLM enables users to ask follow-up questions about its explanations, fostering a deeper understanding of programming concepts.

Beyond understanding existing code, NotebookLM also aids in skill enhancement. The student highlighted that the AI helped her learn a new programming language from scratch. When she sought suggestions for improving a linear search algorithm, NotebookLM provided six actionable recommendations, each accompanied by clear explanations of the issues and how to resolve them.

This ability to suggest enhancements is particularly beneficial for students developing mobile or web applications. The student emphasized that NotebookLM’s grounded nature mitigates the risk of misinformation often found in other AI tools.

NotebookLM’s interactive learning features have also transformed the way she engages with coding coursework. Offering tools like Audio Overviews, Video Overviews, flashcards, quizzes, and mind maps, the platform enhances the learning experience. While the student prefers using mind maps for coding, these tools collectively help organize and connect various coding concepts.

For example, by consolidating multiple algorithms into a single mind map, she can visualize relationships between different coding functions. This visual representation allows her to quickly identify how certain algorithms relate, enhancing her revision process.

The intuitive nature of the mind map feature enables users to generate detailed summaries for each node, allowing for efficient reviews without navigating through separate files.

As a result of her experiences, the student has adopted a routine of uploading her coding assignments into NotebookLM immediately after coding sessions. This practice keeps her work organized and easily accessible for future reference.

In summary, integrating NotebookLM with VS Code has revolutionized this student’s approach to learning coding. By enhancing her understanding and providing structured learning tools, she has found a new rhythm in her academic journey.