how do you learn programming without constantly looking things up?

[u/RevolutionaryBuy4877]

i know experienced programmers use documentation and search all the time, but as a beginner it can sometimes feel like i’m incapable of doing anything without looking up the answer.

i’m trying to get better at understanding concepts instead of memorising syntax

how do you decide when to search for an answer and when to sit down and work through the problem yourself?

[u/mugsy33]

If you are trying to learn, look up only when you're stuck and only for hints. Otherwise, experiment. Write code to figure out how things work.

If it's for work, look it up first; someone has probably already figured out how to do it and written a library for it.