How Do You Study Programming Books Effectively?

I've got a process for tackling programming books: First, I read casually to get a feel for the content. Then I create a detailed list of exercises and questions to dive deeper into. Step three is actually doing those tasks, which is where I need a quiet spot to concentrate. It’s a bit of a marathon, but it helps solidify my understanding!

I don’t find programming books super helpful either, usually just reference them for tricky topics. But if you’re in a college course, definitely stick to physical copies; they're way less distracting!

Honestly, there's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to studying. Explore different formats—books, tutorials, or courses. The key is to find a structure that suits you, since what's effective varies from person to person.

I think you're focusing too much on the tools rather than the learning itself. It’s important to figure out how to study effectively first. The medium and note-taking are secondary to grasping the concepts.

I get that it's not always easy to learn from books. I tend to learn best by doing, so I'm planning to create a game engine in Golang just to grasp the language better. It's not what I typically do, but I think it's a neat project to expand my skills!

For me, printed books are the way to go! I like to read the book straight through and tackle exercises as I come across them—it keeps things engaging and helps with retention.