Help with memory/code

  • Thread starter Thread starter Benz-27
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Benz-27

Benz-27

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Hey guys. I'm 14 and becoming a sophomore in high school. I will be taking HTML and JavaScript courses this year but I have a problem. I've been learning JavaScript from a YouTuber named thenewboston. He does a lot of coding related tutorials. The tutorials are very good and informative but I seem to forget almost everything I've just learned in one or two days. The only personal computer I have acces to is a laptop. It may not sound bad but it is very uncomfortable to type with as the keys seem very far apart. I'll be getting my laptop fixed in a few weeks on my birthday but I want to be able to start coding as soon as it's fixed. Anyways the question is how do you guys remember all the code you learn? Is there any way to do it without writing it as soon as you learn it? I've tried writing it with pencil and paper but it takes a lot longer and is almost impossible with all the editing needed.
 
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You have to use it or you'll lose it. Lol.

But really you just need to actually type it or write it out. It helps alot with memorization. That's why your teachers make you take notes.
 
It's the same as learning any other language, as Zoo says it'll only stick with time.
 
Install an IDE and practice. The only way you'll keep knowledge of a programming language in your grey matter is to constantly use said knowledge, if you're doing some programming every few days then eventually everything you've used will 'stick'. Using pen and paper is virtually worthless as the key aspect of programming is problem solving, working out why your program won't compile/produces unexpected results is one of the most efficient ways to learn (and retain) a language.

You're not going to learn/remember how to drive just by sitting in the driver's seat making vroom vroom noises ;)
 
What the others said: you learn by doing it. To get started, I would suggest coming up with a case that you wish to build/program. Start with something simple to get you going, like a calculator app or something like that, then move on to more complex things.

Since you're still very young, you'll pick it up in no time. 👍
 
Can you buy yourself a $15 USB keyboard that you can plug into your laptop? It would be a good investment if you wish to code for more than a few days.

Make something without help! That is the key (as may have said).
Give yourself a simple goal. Then study the tutorials/reference that you will need to reach said goal.
Now, close the web browser, hide any books you have, and now start coding. Don't peek, try and go as far as you can before you can't remember. When you get stuck, reopen your reference and finish the script.
Next time around make the same thing again, maybe make it a little better. Again try and learn, then code, then learn again. Your goal should be to write more before you forget again.
That is how I learned and soon it will stick in your head. Mind you, very few people can remember everything in any language.
 
Thanks for the responses guys! I will definitely be trying out the methods said. NLxAROSA, yes the tutorial series I'm learning from is about 80 videos long and some of the first videos are about math operators and variables. It eventually gets to the hard stuff though. Carracer, that's one thing I messed up. I used to have the tutorial/web page open in a window right next to my code. I'll try this for sure.
 
Benz-27
Thanks for the responses guys! I will definitely be trying out the methods said. NLxAROSA, yes the tutorial series I'm learning from is about 80 videos long and some of the first videos are about math operators and variables. It eventually gets to the hard stuff though. Carracer, that's one thing I messed up. I used to have the tutorial/web page open in a window right next to my code. I'll try this for sure.
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If you need any help with HTML (CSS, javascript, etc... really anything web related) Feel free to PM me. I'm not very knowledgeable in Java so I would be useless.
 
You might like to check out codecademy.com, it's for absolute beginners but it may present some things in an easy to remember sort of way.

Oh yeah, it's JavaScript. I think I read they're doing a Python version too.
 
It needs to be emphasized that the only way to learn to code is by writing code. Not reading about how to code, nor watching YouTube (or elsewhere) tutorials. It'll stick only if you grab a keyboard and bang in some of the examples. Then fiddle with them, make changes and see what happens. Write your own routines from scratch to do the same thing the examples do. Etc, etc.
 
BobK
It needs to be emphasized that the only way to learn to code is by writing code. Not reading about how to code, nor watching YouTube (or elsewhere) tutorials. It'll stick only if you grab a keyboard and bang in some of the examples. Then fiddle with them, make changes and see what happens. Write your own routines from scratch to do the same thing the examples do. Etc, etc.
Click to expand...

Which is why Codecademy is good, it gives you examples then you have to type the code yourself to progress. I tried learning by reading and it just doesn't stick, the best thing you can do (if a book is your preferred or only resource) is to have the book next to you, your computer in front of you with the IDE open and ready for you to start typing. I was actually quite good at one point (I was learning Processing, I used to be into interactive graphics) but stopped for maybe two months and forgot all of it... I really regret that because now I don't really have enough time nor reason to learn it again.
 
I'd like to thank everyone for their responses and to say that I've come up with a strategy that works! I watch about 3-5 video tutorials every night. The next day, without reference, I try to write everything I learned in about 2-3 different ways. It's been working pretty well and I've been remembering almost if not everything. Thanks guys!
 

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