I pretty well play the game through with the assistance of a walkthrough or strategy guide. I limit the use of this aid to when I really can't figure out what needs to be done.

As far as using code inputing devices I use them but only after I have finished playing the game all the way through. During the second go round I use codes that give 1,000 or more experience points/battle and things like 65,000+ gold/battle. I don't use the have all items codes.

Some codes allow you to have infinite items though and I do use them as I only need to purchase one of an item.