I've been diving into programming for about 8 months now, but I'm really struggling to remember what I learn. For instance, I'm currently working on understanding `sort` and `sorted` in Python. I can use them today, but within a few days, I find myself forgetting the differences between the two. What are some effective strategies to help me retain this knowledge? I really don't want to remain stuck on basic concepts like loops forever.
3 Answers
To really hold onto what you're learning, you need to use it in real projects. If all you're doing is studying without applying that knowledge, it won't stick. The `sort` and `sorted` functions might feel tricky at first, but if you keep practicing them in different contexts, the differences will become clearer! In Python, `sort()` modifies the list in place, while `sorted()` creates a new sorted list, which is something to keep in mind as you practice.
It sounds like you're going through a common struggle! Just like when we were kids and learned new vocabulary, it's key to repeatedly engage with what you're learning. Teachers didn't just go over a word once; they quizzed us and gave us homework until we really got it. Try to apply what you learn through projects or exercises regularly, rather than just reading or watching tutorials. That repetition will help solidify your understanding!
You're definitely not alone in this! Early on, it felt like I had to be completely immersed in coding, or else I'd forget everything. After a break where I barely thought about tech, I was surprised to find I retained a lot more than I expected. It just goes to show that sometimes, stepping back can help! Just keep practicing what you learn, and it'll stick more over time.
That makes sense, but I find the distinction a bit tricky! Just remembering that `sort()` is used on lists and modifies them directly while `sorted()` works on any iterable and returns a new list helps me out.