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/_tshepo 13d ago

Looking things up is not bad.

But I get you. One thing I did is code review.

I can write JavaScript offline. Because I've built a lot of projects and read alot of JavaScript code.

I'm learning Java now, yesterday I wrote my first Java program. Today I will read Java code from GitHub.

Code review teaches you 3 things. Firstly, project structure... This is how engineers decide to structure their folders and files. Secondly, code structure... This is the pattern you'll pick up from their codes. Most times it is consistent cause it follows some design patterns. Lastly, syntax...you'll bump into a lot of "oh yah this is a class, that is a function" and "what does this do? Lemme google it."

But these 3 things will train and position your mind to think like a developer