I'm a recent graduate trying to kickstart my career as a software developer. I recently took an online coding test for a job, and the rules weren't clear about using documentation or looking things up during the test. It seemed like they only wanted one tab open, so I went in without any resources.
The test was in JavaScript, which I was still learning, and I really struggled because I didn't memorize essential string methods. My question is: Does having those string methods memorized mean you're a good programmer? I usually believe that in real-life projects, it's fine to look up methods and libraries, so should I focus more on memorizing these details, or is it more about being able to find and use the right information?
5 Answers
Yes and no. On the job, you’ll often look things up, but knowing the basics of your work environment is expected. If you’re being assessed for a role, it’s better to be able to implement solutions using the technology they use, rather than just have theoretical knowledge.
No, your skills are not just based on what you can recall; it’s really about what you can do with what you know. The ability to create from loops and functions is what makes a good programmer, far more than memorizing specifics. It’s much more valuable to understand how to apply your knowledge, rather than focus on remembering tiny details from memory.
Totally agree! It's the fundamentals and your ability to create that really count.
It really depends on the task. There are aspects of programming that you’ll know instinctively from practice, while others might require looking things up, no matter how experienced you are. The key is solving problems efficiently, and that might mean knowing things by heart or being quick to reference documentation. Also, for any future interviews, it’s worth clarifying with them about using resources during tests.
It’s all about problem-solving. Being able to break down a problem and find a solution is more important than memorizing syntax. If you need a specific method or feature, and it’s not in your head, it’s okay to look it up during an interview. Just demonstrate that you can approach problems logically; that’s what really shows your ability to code.
Exactly! It's all about how you think through problems.
You should definitely know some basics. If you're struggling to find how to work with lists, then that's a red flag. But don’t stress too much about memorizing everything—what matters are the advanced projects you tackle. Using the internet is a normal part of development, so don’t hesitate to rely on it.
Good point! Advanced projects are the real measure of skill.
Absolutely! It's about the application of knowledge, not just rote memorization.