How Programmers Memorize and Learn Commands, Numbers, Figures, and Scientific Terms in Programming
Programmers face a unique challenge in learning and memorizing various elements such as commands, numbers, figures, and scientific terms. Unlike other fields, programming languages are highly specific and structured, necessitating a different approach to vocabulary acquisition. This article explores how programmers effectively memorize and learn these elements through practice and the use of structured tools and resources.
The Role of Dictionaries and Reference Books
Unlike learning a natural language like English, programmers have various tools at their disposal to assist in understanding and memorizing terms and commands. Just as a thesaurus or dictionary is used for English, programming languages have their own dictionaries and reference manuals. Two key resources are:
Bachus-Naur Form (BNF)
Bachus-Naur Form (BNF), sometimes referred to as Bachus Normal Form, is the meta-language used to describe the syntax of programming languages. BNF provides a structured way to denote the grammar of a programming language, making it easier to understand and remember commands and syntax rules. Programmers can use BNF to break down the syntax of a language into simpler components, thus facilitating comprehension and retention.
Language Primer and Reference Books
Language primers and reference books are invaluable resources for programmers. These books contain detailed descriptions of the language's syntax, keywords, and functions. By regularly consulting these resources, programmers can stay updated with new terms and commands and deepen their understanding of the language.
Practical Application Through Practice
Memorization and learning in programming is most effective through practical application and repetition. Recalling a function or command in the context of solving problems helps cement those elements in the programmer's memory. The more frequently a programmer uses a particular term or command, the easier it becomes to remember it.
Avoid the misconception that memorizing everything is necessary. Instead, focus on understanding how to look up and reference terms when needed. Many programming environments and IDEs (Integrated Development Environments) have built-in documentation lookups, making it easy to quickly find the information required to complete tasks.
Building the Programming "World"
Programming languages describe a world of logic and syntax that is not explicitly present in everyday spoken language. Learning a programming language is like building a new world of concepts. This world requires a new vocabulary and logical constructs that must be mastered systematically. Here are some insights into the process of building this "world":
Understanding Structures and Concepts
Terms like "struct" and "class" are fundamental concepts in programming that need to be understood and built into the programmer's knowledge base. Even common mathematical terms such as "integer" and "floating point" might require some preparatory reading for non-native English speakers. However, with a solid foundation in basic math, these terms become easier to grasp.
More complex concepts like functions and event-driven programming require a significantly greater effort to understand and apply. These concepts often do not map directly to real-world experiences, making them more challenging to learn. The key is to build a comprehensive understanding of the programming "world" by practicing and using the language in various contexts.
Building a Comprehensive Understanding of Programming
Once a programmer has a foundational understanding of the programming language's world, learning additional languages builds upon this existing knowledge. New languages share many common constructs and principles, making it easier to pick up new languages over time. This process of incremental learning and repeated practice helps in constructing a robust understanding of programming fundamentals.
The goal isn't necessarily to memorize every detail, but to develop the ability to understand and use the language effectively. This involves recognizing the building blocks of the language, understanding their interactions, and applying them in various scenarios to solve problems.
Conclusion
Programmers rely on a combination of practical application and structured learning resources to master the terms, commands, numbers, figures, and scientific terms of programming. Through consistent practice and the use of tools like BNF and reference books, programmers can efficiently build the necessary knowledge to effectively code in various programming languages.