I've been wondering if my memory issues mean I'm not cut out for programming. I've got a BS in Computer Science and have worked for years as a software developer, but I often feel like I haven't contributed much to my teams, even though my managers and coworkers say otherwise. I do LeetCode challenges occasionally but seem to have hit a plateau and can't seem to improve. My biggest concern is that I don't recall a lot of the material I've learned, despite having exposure to nearly every topic on the computer science roadmap. Even though I can remember things for a short time, when I need to apply them later, I struggle. Is this normal for developers? Are there others out there studying non-stop just to keep things fresh? I find it hard to study regularly and retain information.
5 Answers
That roadmap is a great tool to identify what you need to brush up on. It’s also a confidence booster to see how much you already know. Keep at it and don’t be too hard on yourself—you’re not 'too stupid' for this. Good programmers recognize patterns and keep learning over time. Just know it’s a journey and progress can feel slow but keep pushing through!
It's totally normal to forget things you don’t use regularly. Memory isn’t just about speed; it’s about the context in which you apply your knowledge. Instead of expecting to remember everything, try to get comfortable with knowing how to look things up. Being aware of your resources can help you refresh your memory when needed.
If forgetting things disqualified programmers, Stack Overflow would have failed long ago! Remember, modern programming relies heavily on tools that assist with syntax and common usage, so don’t stress about memorizing everything—focus instead on knowing where to find the info you need.
I’ve been in the field for 15 years, and honestly, I can’t recall half the stuff on those roadmaps either! You’re not alone in feeling this way.
Don’t be so hard on yourself. It's normal to forget things, and many successful people in this field have been where you are. Learning is about repetition and practice. Create resources like cheat sheets for the concepts you struggle with and keep revisiting them until they stick. Everyone's learning pace is different, so focus on your own journey.
Comparing yourself to others can really bring you down instead of helping. Focus on what you can control and improve!
Yeah, exactly! Growth happens in waves; sometimes it feels slow, but those moments of struggle are what lead to breakthroughs.