I've always thought that memorizing syntax wasn't necessary since programming often involves switching between different languages and frameworks. I heavily depend on language models to assist me while coding, which has made it tough for me to write code independently. I can read and understand the code generated by these models and can fix errors, but I'm only comfortable writing in C++ and Python for platforms like LeetCode. Recently, I struggled with a simple TypeScript task during an assessment because I didn't know the syntax. While I realize that in a job I can use Google and language models, I'm concerned about how this reliance might impact my performance in live coding assessments or tests, which I've never encountered before. Should I focus more on memorizing syntax?
3 Answers
Yes, not learning how to code properly will likely affect your long-term abilities. Familiarizing yourself with syntax is important, even if you're switching languages frequently. If you don’t understand the syntax, you might be missing out on grasping unique features of those languages. The best approach to remembering syntax is through repetitive practice, not just copying from resources. Try typing out examples instead of just copy-pasting—they'll stick better that way!
You really memorize syntax by using it consistently. It’s a hands-on process, not just a theoretical one. Replace some of your LLM usage with actual coding practice. That's how you'll start remembering the syntax properly!
I've retained a lot of syntax from using it often, and I don’t usually need to look up the basics. But, even after over two decades using the `tar` command, I still have to check the syntax sometimes! There's a balance between understanding the concepts and memorizing the specifics. For newcomers, focusing on understanding is key; you'll naturally remember things as you code.
Yeah, I feel like the `tar` command is one of those that just slips your mind sometimes! It's almost a rite of passage!