Memorize vs Search

Question

Which of these are the preferable skill for a programmer? Sometimes I understand the code, the concepts, but if I have to code on my own, I have to search for references, is it good or should I memorize the most of the languages?

Answer 1

Just remember code bases! No much more, because:

1- Resources are available anytime (Some IDEs like PhpStorm give you information about all functions offline. You can install them).
2 You will automatically memorize things after practice.
3- Thinking for a way to solve problems instead of using functions etc. may increase your creativity.
4- Searching the web to find the best way enforce you to learn and memorize things.
5- Write your own functions. This is not recommended by some people, but I recommend you. Not always, but sometimes use your own codes instead of frameworks, classes, etc.; because this will increase your motivation, creativity and code skills (like knowing security issues). But don't remember using those!
6- Trying to memorize codes, confuse you and I think help your brain to forget many things!

7- *** Coding is to telling (to the computer) what to memorize, not to memorizing what to tell!

Answer 2

the more you know the less you have to search.

Answer 3

I think you're approaching this from an oblique angle. The simple answer is neither and/or both.

Practice and experience will make the commonly used features of the languages second nature. No need for what's already in your head/hands.

However, as you get that experience, you start working on things that tax your skills... and then here come the references! At this point, it's more about how your prefer to operate, honestly. If your mind is amenable, then memorization can be handy.

Personally, I'm a "know where to find the right info" type. However if you're going to solve the problem yourself, then you need to search correctly: focus on the APIs of libraries you need, maybe an example of use, etc. More general searching about what you want to do will likely find someone else's solution, which may well

Answer 4

I believe in understanding. You can always check the web for whether you need to escape a symbol (say \") or the correct syntax for something, but it's no good if you don't understand. That's why reading code is very important. As for memory, you'll start remembering more when you do a project or two.

Answer 5

Do not save information as long as it is available in books and references. To be a programmer not to save a lot of information but to train the brain to think (transported)...

Answer 6

I am agree with you all.
I think at starting when we go for coding then definitely we have to look a references and this phenomenon we look in our daily life.
But when we become proficient in it.
We don't require it. So I think that in starting it is helpful for you,but we should not make a Habit.

Answer 7

Understanding > memory
Understanding > copying

Answer 8

if you forget somthing..just google it.. that's the programers way 😁👍

Answer 9

understand programming . memorizing is for syntax only , i believe that if you can write ur program in a notepad is the best ,u dont explicitly memorize the code but the more u code the more u momerize , i had a test before in a company where they gave me a laptop without internet connection or any kind of resources for code syntax i knew the logic but i couldnt write the syntax in the required duration of the test.

Answer 10

Nowdays info for just about everything is readily available so memorizing < searching imo.
You just need to memorize the important parts.
What's of the outmost importance is critical thinking, the ability to decifer AND understand what it is you are reading/searching.

Answer 11

With more experience you are automatically less dependent on searching for code snippets and references of others.
But in this never quite stops. The problems you are inquiring simply become for sophisticated and special.

Answer 12

even web design pros look things up with a search engine

Answer 13

Back in the days if I didn't know something I had to ride the bus, go to Barcelona and spend the whole day in libraries and book stores. Then start reading and selecting information. It was a slow process. Today​, references are easy to find.
But still today... the more you understand, know or remember, the less time you will "waste" finding the answer/solution.

It is also true that sometimes, when I am looking for X I find other interesting things that will help me in the future. Things that I wouldn't have found if I would have known X. That's why I wrote "waste", because researching it's never a waste of time...

Answer 14

both

Answer 15

Both, of course. Practice will help you memorize the code effortlessly. Just a common sense.

Answer 16

A programmer is the one who knows the basics of a language and knows how to apply it in his program , a programmer should also be a good researcher as well that's very important

Answer 17

man ，since 1996 i wrote the first c code in DOS edit program i had no references to view, yes u must force yourself to remember how to coding.

Answer 18

In my career I have understood that anyone can't memorise all. In my opinion understanding is the way, because after wrong, the next time you'll have concept clear.
My tip is.. try a lot! 😁

Answer 19

You can search in Internet. If you practise first by searching in the Internet. Soon you will be coding without searching in Internet. 😀. Remember no one will know programming without reading and practising and searching in the internet. You have to practise practise practise. Just dont give up and lastly don't feel ashamed of taking help from Internet. 👍

Answer 20

based on my experience, i didn't memorized any stuff. I just read a lot of things related to technology. if i don't know something, i Google it. therefore searching is best for me. after practicing this for many years i gained some skills.