Ask HN: How do you memorize syntax and common API for a new language?

2 points by jehlakj 8y ago ↗ HN

I'm sure a lot of people here will recommend doing a lot of side projects, but is there a more boring yet effective way? Similar to flash cards instead of writing for vocabulary. The biggest contextual block from coding with an unfamiliar language is the syntax and basic API.

If I could draw an analogy, it would be trying to learn a language in a foreign country without any fundamental understanding. I find it much easier to absorb new materials when I have a basic set of common phrases memorized beforehand.

2 comments

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chipuni 8y ago ↗

For the past seven years, whenever I learn something new, I put it into my set of Anki (https://apps.ankiweb.net/) cards. Details tied to a job are tied to that particular job; when I leave, I delete those cards. Almost everything else stays.

Anki may have been designed for learning languages, but it's a great system for learning anything.

amirouche 8y ago ↗

I know sexp; I don't need to learn new syntax. I only need to learn new API.