Is there any web or software developer here who can share how learning memorization techniques has benefited them, both during their IT education and in their current professional roles?
3 Likes
I’m not a professional (“yet” is probably apt here) software developer, and I can share my experience which revolves around memorizing large chunks of Python programming documentation (among other things, such as: [BASH keywords, tmux keybindings, some data structures via fairly interoperable procedural pseudo-code, OSI and TCP/IP and MAC layer information and protocols, Cisco routing/switching commands, MySQL syntax, etc]).
So, on the knowledge side of things I’ve certainly used mnemonics to absorb a lot (I started memorizing technical stuff in December).
Of course I’m not new to mnemonics. I’ve used it for many other things, including extensively for a martial art I’ve been attending for the past 2 and a half years.
If you have specific questions on the learning side, I’m happy to answer.
Of course I learn these things to use them and play with them (i.e., i think it’s fun), so I also develop applications and am constantly experimenting. I’ve also played around with Javascript, Lua, regular ol’ C, and even Godot for the Godot game engine, among many things.
If you’re just generally curious, here are two forum topics where I share a bit (a lot):
- I memorized huge chunks of Python’s documentation
- Beau’s Journal: Cyber Mnemonics. Syntax, Structure, and stuff
Regards,
Beau
6 Likes
Hello Beau I have read your 2 links and well whay can I say that’s impressive to have done all of that! Someday I might ask you to explain me things deeply! Hope you would have some time to spare that I can see how you did it!
1 Like
Thank you. Yes if you have specific questions feel free to ask. 
2 Likes
How do you use memorisation for martial art! I 'm very curious about it!
1 Like
Programming is not a subject for memorization
1 Like
@memorysmith !! Gosh. If only you would have told me this before I memorized all that documentation…
…Now all I’ve got to show for it is that when I need to “look something up” in the documentation, I just close my eyes for a moment… and then keep typing! What a horrible waste!
/facetiousness
@armandsen I do a few things. One thing I like to do is to assign each form or technique its own location (within a memory palace).
Every time I practice that move (in real life or in my head) I visualize myself performing the technique in its specific location.
Makes remembering all the different forms and techniques a cinch. I never get them confused anymore. Easy peasy.
1 Like
Most good engineers that I know don’t memorize the documentation. They read them and can link back to your existing skills
1 Like
Let’s not belabor the point that knowing the documentation very well may not be necessary but can be helpful.
4 Likes
It’s not essential, but it can be helpful. Keeping them in mind makes you more familiar with them, which in turn reduces mental resistance. I live in an area where being a polyglot can lead to better job opportunities compared to those who speak only one language. Kids who are passively exposed to foreign languages tend to engage more in school when they start learning a required language, compared to those who have been exposed to only one language. I believe that learning yourself all those documentation have the same effect! Each time I learn a new function (python) I like to create something to help me to remember the goal of this function through a story or analogy! It benefits my imagination development and being exposed to the language at a deeper level!
3 Likes