> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.firstcommit.xyz/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Using AI Tools During the Hackathon

> AI tools are allowed at Beginner's Paradise as learning aids. Learn how to use them responsibly, what to disclose, and how judges evaluate AI usage.

AI tools are allowed and encouraged at Beginner's Paradise — as long as they support your learning rather than replace it. The goal of this hackathon is for you to grow as a developer, and AI is a powerful tool when used with that mindset.

## What AI Is Good For

Use AI tools to help you understand concepts and learn faster:

* **Debugging**: paste an error and ask what it means
* **Understanding code**: ask for an explanation of a snippet you don't follow
* **Brainstorming**: get ideas for features, project names, or approaches
* **Learning new tech**: ask for a quick intro to a library or framework
* **Writing boilerplate**: generate a starter structure so you can focus on the core logic

## What's Not Okay

AI should assist your work, not replace it. Judges will ask you to explain your project. If you can't describe how your code works or what decisions you made, that will hurt your score.

<Warning>
  Submitting AI-generated code you don't understand as your own work defeats the purpose of the hackathon and will affect your judging score significantly. The Learning & Growth criterion is worth 30% of your total score.
</Warning>

## Disclosure Requirements

If you used AI tools in a meaningful way, you must disclose this in your README. Be specific about which tools you used and what you used them for.

```markdown README.md theme={null}
## AI Usage

I used ChatGPT to help debug a CORS issue I was stuck on, and GitHub Copilot for autocomplete while writing repetitive form validation logic. All code was reviewed and understood before being included.
```

Organizers may also request AI chat history or screenshots to verify usage. Being upfront is always the right call.

## Recommended AI Tools

These tools work well as learning assistants during a hackathon:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Claude" icon="sparkle" href="https://claude.ai">
    Great for explaining concepts, reviewing code, and helping you understand error messages in plain language.
  </Card>

  <Card title="ChatGPT" icon="sparkle" href="https://chat.openai.com">
    A versatile assistant for brainstorming, debugging, and getting quick answers to development questions.
  </Card>

  <Card title="GitHub Copilot" icon="github" href="https://github.com/features/copilot">
    Inline code suggestions directly in your editor. Useful for boilerplate and autocomplete, but always read what it generates.
  </Card>

  <Card title="DevSwarm" icon="sparkle" href="https://devswarm.ai">
    Sponsor tool. All participants get 1 month free. Claim it in the #sponsor-info channel on Discord.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## The Bottom Line

<Tip>
  AI is a tool, not a shortcut. The most valuable thing you will take away from Beginner's Paradise is what you personally learned. Use AI to learn faster, not to skip the learning.
</Tip>

## Related Articles

* [How Your Project Gets Judged](/hackathon/judging)
* [Submission Requirements](/building/submission-requirements)
* [GitHub and Commit History](/building/github-guide)