Stop Trying to Memorize Programming Syntax

The truth about programming success: it’s not just about syntax.

Throughout my career, I’ve seen a lot of new libraries, frameworks, languages, and tools that come up and go.

After witnessing the trends for more than 10 years since I started my career in the industry. I think it makes sense if I say that we don’t need to try to memorize programming syntax especially when we learn a new tech stack.

I remember when I said the same thing to my colleague. He immediately rejected my argument since he thought it just made no sense to write something without memorizing it at first.

This is a common misconception among those new to programming, who often think:

• “I’m not good enough to create an app because I haven’t remembered the syntax of language X”

• “I feel insecure because I always refer to documentation”

• “How can I be an expert if I keep forgetting how to center an element in CSS?”

The truth is, we don’t need to try to memorize the programming syntax or memorize how to do something.

Consider how different languages handle counting the number of characters in a string:

• theText.length — Java & JavaScript

• len(theText) — Python

• strlen(theText) — PHP & C

• length theText — Haskell

• (count theText) — Clojure

Each syntax from the code above is different, yet the purpose of the code remains the same.

Why bother memorizing all of those variants if you have the Internet? When you encounter a problem, simply Google it or ask ChatGPT for the answer. If you face the same issue and forget how to solve it, just Google it again. Eventually, this repetition will help you remember it without conscious effort.

Think of it like moving to a new place. Initially, you might use Google Maps to navigate to your destination. After a few trips, you’ll likely remember the route. If you don’t, just use the map again. Over time, the route becomes second nature.

I’m not saying that you shouldn’t try to memorize anything, but don’t stress about it, and don’t feel guilty for asking Google/ChatGPT.

What some people say

In fact, Senior Programmers always Google for trivial things. These are some old tweets I found on X but still relevant until today:

What’s more important than syntax

In my opinion, several aspects are more important than syntax.

Problem-solving skills

The ability to deeply understand a problem and give the right and efficient solutions is essential. Algorithmic thinking, involving logical reasoning is also crucial for creating optimized solutions.

Collaboration Skills

Effective communication and collaboration skills are essential for team-based projects. The ability to explain technical decisions clearly is often more valuable than writing complex code.

Code Readability

Code readability and maintainability are vital. Writing clear, well-documented code ensures it can be easily understood and extended by others.

Continuous learning and adaptability

Continuous learning and adaptability are crucial in an ever-evolving field, allowing developers to adopt new tools and methodologies that improve their work.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, while syntax is important for writing code, focusing on problem-solving, design principles, and collaboration leads to more successful software development in the long run.