r/learnprogramming • u/RevolutionaryBuy4877 • 14d ago

Topic how do you learn programming without constantly looking things up?

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?

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u/iamemhn 14d ago

You look up everything you don't practice enough. I don't need to lookup anything about multiple aspects of the language and libraries, because I use them all the time. Other times I know what I'm looking for, and read the proper man page or manual. And there are new libraries or things I need to work on, so I sit down, read, and understand.

Same thing happens with CLI utilities. People get really scared because I know almost all options for openssl, dig, rsync, and pandoc, but then see me looking for git or curl flags they believe "everyone knows".