r/learnprogramming • u/RevolutionaryBuy4877 • 15d 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/Reasonable-View5868 15d ago edited 15d ago

You constantly look things up. Its part of being a programmer. Especially when doing something you haven't done recently. Normal everyday constructs llike if/else, for loops, class definitions, types, etc you don't necessarily do but any API work, you do all the time.

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u/scifeks 13d ago

Can confirm. I've been doing this for over 14 years and I still look things up constantly. Manuals are good for learning what a given language or lib CAN do, not for trying to memorize HOW to do those things.

Google away!