How can I learn programming syntax more efficiently?

Keep small examples or test files containing syntax and patterns you use often. Reusing those examples is fine, but try to rewrite them occasionally instead of always copying blindly. Solving the same exercise in one language and then translating it into another can also help reinforce both the concepts and the differences in style.

The important skill is designing and constructing programs, not remembering every character. Practice breaking problems into operations, inputs, and results, then write small pieces of code repeatedly. Syntax will gradually stick through use, while the ability to reason through a solution is useful in every language.

Going back and forth between your editor and documentation is a normal part of programming, so don't treat it as failure. Use practice sites and small projects to build repetition, but prioritize becoming comfortable with one toolchain and solving real problems over collecting lots of languages for a portfolio.

Focus on one language first, or two at most. Learning several unfamiliar languages simultaneously means constantly switching between different syntax, conventions, and libraries. Once you understand one language deeply, picking up another becomes much easier because the underlying programming concepts transfer.

Don't make memorizing syntax the main goal. Write the solution in plain language or pseudocode first, then translate each step into code. Looking up APIs and language features is completely normal—even experienced developers use documentation constantly. Editor features like autocomplete, IntelliSense, and jumping to a definition can make that process much faster.