PyChatAI: Enhancing Python Programming Skills—An Empirical Study of a Smart Learning System

This paper presents strategies for effectively integrating AI tools into programming education and provides recommendations for enhancing student learning outcomes through intelligent educational systems. Learning computer programming is a cognitively demanding task that requires dedication, logical reasoning, and persistence. Many beginners struggle with debugging and often lack effective problem-solving strategies. To address these issues, this study investigates PyChatAI—a bilingual, AI-powered chatbot designed to support novice Python programmers by providing real-time feedback, answering coding-related questions, and fostering independent problem-solving skills. PyChatAI offers continuous, personalised assistance and is particularly beneficial for students who prefer remote or low-pressure learning environments. An empirical evaluation employing a Solomon Four-Group design revealed significant improvements across all programming skill areas, with especially strong gains in theoretical understanding, code writing, and debugging proficiency.