1. Understand the code, don't blindly trust the AI: If you don't understand the code Gemini Code Assist gives you, you won't be able to defend or modify it effectively. 2. Debug the code: AI can sometimes generate subtle errors or suboptimal solutions. Spend time understanding why the code works (or not), testing it, and debugging it yourself. 3. Be prepared to explain your choices: The judges may ask why you chose one approach over another. If you haven't thought through the alternatives or the rationale behind the generated code, it will show.