As a beginner in programming, I'm curious about whether it's important to memorize syntax. I often use code editors that have auto-completion features, which makes me wonder if memorizing syntax is necessary at this stage. What are your thoughts on this?
3 Answers
I suggest trying an editor without auto-completion like Vim or Sublime Text. Toughing it out without those features might actually help you remember syntax better and speed up your learning process.
I see what you're saying! But I feel like those tools make things easier for newcomers without slowing down the learning.
It's a bit like learning a new language. Think about kids learning English—they don't memorize all the grammar rules upfront; they just start using it. Those auto-completion tools are great for helping you get comfortable, but as you progress, I think you'll want to learn the rules to become more fluent in coding. So, it's okay not to memorize everything right away!
Exactly! When you focus too much on the rules, it can really slow you down. Just use them naturally until they become second nature.
I don't quite get your point about language learning. Are you saying we shouldn't focus on rules at all?
Programming can be tough for newbies because syntax rules can clutter your working memory. Once you get those rules down, it gets easier. If you want to start simply, try Scratch—it takes care of the syntax for you! After that, you could try out Snap! or Edublocks to build confidence before diving into more complex languages.
Ah, the classic Vim approach! You certainly get used to it, but it does push you to actually learn what you're doing.