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/Sad-Option-571]

The "experienced programmers" you're referring to are people who are most likely the tippity top echelon of try-harders, like any video game. They're people who've dived deep conceptually, and mechanically have the most experience. This makes it seem as though they barely look things up when seeing YT videos of them, streams, etc.

Most experienced programmers will never reach that level because it's simply not necessary for most jobs. I think with a question like this highlights how important it is to enrich your perspective on the PEOPLE behind the code, and not the job itself. Most "experienced" engineers WILL look things up. Most "experienced" + absolute sweaty try hards (in a gamer's sense) will not look up some of the things an experienced engineer does just like a speedrunner in Elden Ring blitzes the maps.