How To Study Programming The Lazy Way

Summary

This video script emphasizes the importance of problem-solving and logical thinking in programming over just mastering a language. It advocates for learning patterns and understanding how different pieces fit together. The speaker shares personal study techniques, including using Notion for note-taking, applying the Pareto Principle to focus on core concepts, asking 'big questions' to understand and connect topics, rewriting definitions for clarity, and combining text and visuals. The script also recommends active learning methods like active recall, spaced repetition, and using AI for tutoring and practice quizzes. It concludes with strategies for interview preparation, suggesting a structured approach to solving coding problems and leveraging AI to refine understanding.

Takeaways

• 💡 Programming is not just about coding; it's fundamentally about problem-solving and logical thinking.
• 🔨 The focus should be more on understanding programming concepts rather than just mastering a specific programming language.
• 📚 To improve programming skills, practice coding and apply the knowledge to real projects rather than relying solely on tutorials.
• 📝 Utilize note-taking apps like Notion to organize learning materials and concepts in a structured manner.
• 🧠 Apply the Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) to prioritize learning the most impactful concepts that yield the greatest results with less effort.
• 🤔 Formulate 'big questions' (what, why, when, how) to deepen understanding and contextualize new programming concepts.
• 🔄 Actively engage with the material by turning information into questions and rewriting definitions to simplify and solidify understanding.
• 🎨 Combine textual notes with visual aids like diagrams to enhance comprehension and retention of programming concepts.
• 🔄 Use active recall and spaced repetition techniques to reinforce memory and improve retention of learned material.
• 🤖 Leverage AI tools for personalized tutoring, generating practice quizzes, and refining understanding of programming topics.

Q & A

What is the main focus of programming according to the transcript?

The main focus of programming is problem-solving and logical thinking rather than just memorizing code or a specific programming language.

Why is it detrimental to focus solely on the programming language itself?

Focusing solely on the programming language can lead to a lack of understanding in problem-solving and logical thinking, which are crucial for programming, and may result in being stuck in 'tutorial hell' without learning how to actually program.

What is the recommended approach to studying programming?

The recommended approach is to learn patterns, problem-solving approaches, and how different pieces fit together rather than memorizing the language.

How does the speaker use Notion to optimize their learning?

The speaker uses Notion to take notes, organize information, and maximize their learning efficiency by focusing on core concepts and applying the Pareto principle to concentrate on areas that yield the most results with less effort.

What is the Pareto principle mentioned in the transcript?

The Pareto principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, is the concept that roughly 80% of outcomes or results come from about 20% of inputs or effort.

What are the 'big questions' the speaker uses to maximize learning efficiency?

The 'big questions' are: What is this? Why is this important? Why should I learn this? When will I need this? How does it work?

How does the speaker apply the concept of active recall in their learning process?

The speaker applies active recall by quizzing themselves on the material they need to know, which helps to strengthen memory and understanding.

What is the significance of space repetition in the speaker's study routine?

Space repetition involves taking gaps between study sessions and increasing the gap each time, which helps to flatten the forgetting curve and improve long-term retention.

How does the speaker use AI to aid in their programming studies?

The speaker uses AI as a tutor to explain concepts, debug code, create practice quizzes, and refine their understanding by comparing AI responses with their own notes.

What is the structure of the speaker's interview preparation using Notion?

The speaker structures their interview preparation with a Kanban board, categorizing problems into 'haven't solved', 'needs review', 'solved', and 'today'. They also include problem statements, solutions with comments, time and space complexity, and track their progress.

Why is it important to build real projects while learning programming?

Building real projects helps reinforce understanding of key concepts and provides practical experience that goes beyond tutorials and simple examples.

Outlines

00:00

💻 Understanding Programming and Study Techniques

The speaker emphasizes that programming is not just about coding but rather problem-solving and logical thinking. They argue that focusing on the programming language is less important than understanding concepts and applying them. The speaker suggests learning patterns and problem-solving approaches rather than memorizing languages. They also discuss the Pareto principle, which states that 80% of results come from 20% of efforts, and apply it to programming by focusing on core concepts for maximum efficiency. The speaker advocates for active learning through programming and using tools like Notion for note-taking, emphasizing practical application over aesthetics in notes.

05:01

📚 Practical Learning Strategies for Programmers

The speaker outlines practical strategies for learning programming, such as copying code from resources and creating examples to identify patterns. They stress the importance of working on real projects to reinforce understanding. The speaker introduces learning techniques like active recall and spaced repetition to enhance memory retention. They also discuss using AI for tutoring, generating practice quizzes, and refining understanding by comparing AI responses with personal notes. The speaker shares their approach to interview preparation, using LeetCode and organizing problems in Notion with categories for tracking progress and focusing on areas needing improvement.

10:03

💼 The Benefits of an Efficient Study System in Programming

The speaker concludes by highlighting the benefits of setting up an efficient study system, which can lead to accomplishing more in less time. They mention the potential of earning a high salary in software engineering as a motivator. The speaker provides a special link for Notion and a discount for students, emphasizing the importance of an organized approach to learning programming for long-term success.

Keywords

💡Programming

Programming is the process of writing sequences of instructions to direct a computer to perform specific tasks. In the video, programming is described as more than just writing code; it's about problem-solving and logical thinking. The speaker emphasizes that understanding concepts and how to apply them is crucial, rather than merely focusing on the syntax of a programming language.

💡Problem Solving

Problem solving is the ability to think logically and creatively to find solutions to issues. The video stresses that programming is fundamentally about problem-solving, as programmers often need to devise algorithms and methods to tackle complex challenges. It's about applying logical thinking to break down problems into manageable parts and then coding solutions.

💡Logical Thinking

Logical thinking refers to the process of reasoning where one uses valid reasoning to reach a conclusion. In the context of programming, logical thinking is essential for creating algorithms and understanding how different parts of a program interact. The video suggests that logical thinking is a core skill that programmers need to develop.

💡Programming Language

A programming language is a formal language comprising a set of instructions that produce various kinds of output. The video script points out that while many people focus on learning specific programming languages, it's more important to understand the underlying concepts of programming, as languages are merely tools to express those concepts.

💡Tutorial Hell

Tutorial Hell is a term used in the video to describe the trap of endlessly following tutorials without truly learning how to program. It implies a situation where someone might become proficient at following instructions but lacks the ability to solve problems independently, which is a critical skill for programmers.

💡Notion

Notion is a note-taking and organization app that the speaker uses for taking notes on programming concepts. It's highlighted as a tool that allows for organizing information in a way that's easy to access and review, which is crucial for effective learning and retention of programming knowledge.

💡Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule)

The Pareto Principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, is a concept stating that roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes. In the video, the speaker uses this principle to suggest that focusing on core concepts and efficient learning strategies can lead to better outcomes with less effort, which is particularly relevant for programming education.

💡Active Recall

Active recall is a learning technique where learners actively try to remember information without looking at the material. The video mentions active recall as a method to strengthen memory and understanding. It's contrasted with passive rereading, which is less effective for long-term retention.

💡Spaced Repetition

Spaced repetition is a learning technique that involves reviewing information at increasing intervals over time. The video script explains that this method helps to consolidate memory and reduce forgetting, which is beneficial for long-term retention of programming concepts.

💡Interview Preparation

Interview preparation in the context of the video refers to the process of practicing and preparing for technical interviews, often required for software engineering positions. The speaker discusses using platforms like LeetCode to practice solving coding problems, which is a common aspect of such interviews.

💡AI Tutor

An AI tutor, as mentioned in the video, is an artificial intelligence-based tool that can provide personalized guidance and feedback. The speaker uses AI within Notion to explain concepts, debug code, and challenge their understanding, illustrating how AI can assist in the learning process.

Highlights

Programming is not just about coding; it's about problem-solving and logical thinking.

Focusing on programming languages without understanding problem-solving can lead to 'tutorial hell'.

To study programming effectively, learn patterns, problem-solving approaches, and how different pieces fit together.

Programming is a skill that improves with practice, not just by memorizing languages.

Using Notion for note-taking allows for an organized and comprehensive approach to learning.

The Pareto principle (80/20 rule) suggests focusing on the 20% of effort that yields 80% of results.

Studying core concepts is more important than memorizing every method in a programming language.

Creating 'big questions' helps in understanding and connecting new concepts to a broader context.

Rewriting definitions and turning information into questions engages the brain and aids in active learning.

Combining text and visuals in notes can significantly enhance understanding, especially in programming.

Real-world projects are essential for reinforcing understanding and applying programming concepts.

Active recall, such as self-quizzing, strengthens memory and understanding of programming concepts.

Spaced repetition involves increasing gaps between study sessions to improve long-term retention.

Using AI for tutoring, generating practice quizzes, and refining understanding can be highly beneficial.

Interview preparation is crucial for programmers, and understanding patterns in solutions is key.

Structuring interview preparation with categories like 'haven't solved', 'needs review', 'solved', and 'today' helps in focused practice.

Investing time in setting up an efficient study system can lead to significant time savings and better learning outcomes.

Transcripts

hi so you want to talk to computers yeah

that'd be pretty cool you want to make

video games yeah that'd be pretty cool

you want to get rich yeah that'd be

pretty learn how to program no why it's

hard why you just Google stuff kind of

oh what is programming I've said this

before what is it not code what it's all

about problem solving and logical

thinking you have to understand the

concepts and how to apply them okay what

about the programming language that's

just a tool is it important kind of a

majority of people focus mainly on the

language itself and less on problem

solving and logical thinking is that bad

yes why because you'll end up in

tutorial health is that bad yes yes why

because you'll never learn how to

program oh how do you study programming

then don't try to memorize the language

instead of trying to memorize the

language try to learn patterns problem

solving approaches and how different

pieces fit together so how do you get

better at programming you program what

you do it what program really yes that's

it yes really no what programming is a

skill okay but we can optimize this I'm

lazy I don't like hard work me too I

don't like to study for 8 hours a day me

too so let me show you how I like to

take notes I like to use notion notion

yes don't other apps exist yes why

notion because I've been using it for

years and I'm pretty comfortable with it

it handles everything I need allows me

to have everything in one place it's

easy to use and most importantly it's

free oh that's pretty cool this video is

also sponsored by notion oh you might

notice my notes aren't exactly winning

any beauty contests yeah they're pretty

ugly and simple here's the thing I

actually want to learn stuff not make my

notes look good A lot of people like

iPads and that's cool but it doesn't

really work for programming unless you

get a keyboard and a mouse oh wait

that's now a computer you complete idiot

most people are using a computer I don't

want to get an iPad and my handwriting

is disgusting whenever I study I want to

maximize my time ideally I want to learn

as much in 2 hours as someone else does

in 8 hours if you're really a programmer

you should already know where I'm going

with this I want to optimize my time let

me introduce you to the pit Paro parto

pit the Paro

principle the Paro principle which is

also called the 8020 rule what's that

it's the idea that Approximately 80% of

outcomes or results come from about 20%

of your inputs or effort what a small

portion of your work lead to a majority

of your results what 20% of work equals

80% of results oh cool it sounds crazy

right yeah so how do we apply this to

studying programming well we have to

concentrate on areas where we get big

wins with little effort let me show you

how we do

that whenever I study I like to focus on

Core Concepts this is important instead

of trying to memorize every method in a

language I focus on understanding the

fundamental principles once you get

those the rest often fall into place why

because of the 8020 rule these fun

mentals will get you 80% of the results

when I'm studying new programming

Concepts or really studying in general I

have specific questions that help me

maximize my learning efficiency and

understand Core Concepts I call these my

big questions what is this why is this

important why should I learn this when

will I need this how does it work now if

you don't like these questions you can

create your own it's simple all you need

is a what a why a when and how now why

do I use these questions they're not

just random questions they help me

connect what I'm learning to other areas

it helps me understand where the subject

fits into the bigger picture and it also

lets me subcategorize the topics so

let's say I'm learning something about

object oriented programming the big

questions would be what is

object-oriented programming why is

object-oriented programming important

why should I learn object-oriented

programming when will I need I should

have picked a better example but you get

the point I'm not just copy and pasting

or memorizing definitions I'm trying to

understand why this concept exists but I

don't stop

there if I'm given information about the

topic I take it a step further by

turning the information into questions

this method allows my brain to actively

engage with the material which is way

more effective than passive reading so

let's keep going with the

object-oriented programming example

let's say I learn what a class is what

an object is and how to create both I'd

rephrase the information which would

give me what is a class what is an

object how do you create a class how do

you create an object and then I'd also

give myself my own questions so maybe

something like what's the difference

between a class and an object if I'm

actively asking myself questions then I

know I'm actually paying attention and

not just brain rotting it's like

creating my own pop quiz and if someone

actually ask me that question I would

know how to respond I like to rewrite

definitions I start with the original

definition then create my own version

when I write my own definition I try to

meet two key requirements one would this

make sense to someone else two would

this make sense to a 5-year-old I like

the idea that you truly know something

if you can simplify it now not every

concept has to be simplified to a

5-year-old level but try your best to

simplify it as much as possible I do

this all the time if you were paying

attention you would have noticed I did

it to you when I explained the par

principle 20% of work equals 80% of

results and really the whole intro of

the video was very simplified what is

programming I've said this before what

is it not code what it's all about

problem solving and logical thinking it

helps me a lot and it's really a test to

see if I actually understand what I'm

learning I like to combine text and

visuals in my notes I know you've all

heard the line a picture is worth a

thousand words well in programming

that's really true diagrams can often

explain Concepts better than paragraphs

of text I promise you

now all this note taking and organizing

is pointless if you don't actually write

code so I try to program obviously so

whenever I'm learning a programming

concept I like to do this I like to copy

the code from whatever resource I'm

using so YouTube a book a class lecture

and then I create my own example doing

the same thing I try to notice if

there's a pattern to it let's do an

example let's say I'm learning how to

fetch data from an API so I copy code

from whatever resource I'm using and

then I create my own example of doing

the same thing and now I'm going to look

for a pattern and luckily for fetching

data there is there's some steps to it

get your API URL create a TR catch for

error handling create a response

variable that fetches from the API check

if the response is not returning an

error if it is then return an error if

the response works then parse the data

from it with Json yes I'm using

JavaScript I don't care as you can tell

this makes it really easy to understand

a concept but simple examples like this

only go so far you also need to practice

with real projects I spend more time

building actual project projects than

doing endless tutorials this way I learn

by doing and reinforce my understanding

of key Concepts and you all keep asking

me what's the best way to learn

programming well this is it right here

just make projects literally just code

it's that simple just code I don't

really take notes when I build projects

it's really just trial and error but I

do like to design and diagram things

like my database schema maybe classes or

I just visualize how the architecture

would look visualizing really helps me

understand how the project works and

it's a great experience cuz you're going

to be doing this a

lot all right let's speedrun some other

learning techniques number one active

recall your brain is like a muscle now

most of you probably don't work out and

that's okay but you need to work out

your brain by testing it instead of just

rereading notes quiz yourself on

whatever material you need to know this

is pretty obvious but quizzing yourself

will make you remember the information

better it's not a surprise number two

space repetition this technique is

basically just taking gaps between study

sessions and increasing the Gap each

time this technique is based off the

theory of the forgetting curve which is

just a fancy big brain way of saying the

longer you don't study the more you

forget wow so when you first start you

study the material you take like 1 hour

off and then study it again and then

this time take maybe 2 hours off study

it again now take a day break study it

again take a week break study it again

blah blah blah you get the point you

just keep increasing the Gap space

repetition helps flatten the curve which

means you don't forget as much which

means you don't have to study it as much

because you remember more which means

less studying which is what I want why

because I'm

lazy we're living in the age of AI and

I'd be a fake programmer if I didn't

show you how I'm using AI to study if

you have notion AI this makes it a 100

times easier since it's built in first

up is an AI tutor it's like having a

personal programming Mentor 24/7 I like

to use AI to explain Concepts debug some

code and even challenge my understanding

by asking it to explain things back to

me next thing is AI generated practice

quizzes and exams honestly this is a

game changer for active recall I can

quickly create questions about any

programming topic I'm studying it's like

having an infinite supply of practice

problems one of my favorite techniques

is comparing AI responses with my own

notes this helps me identify gaps in my

understanding and sometimes introduces

New Perspectives that I never considered

I like to use AI to simplify and refine

my writing remember how I said I like to

simplify my Concepts so that a

5-year-old understands AI helps me do

this which also helps my own

understanding if there's one thing you

can study when it comes to programming

it's interview preparation if you're

serious about technical interviews

you've probably heard of leode it's a

platform that has a bunch of programming

problems that are commonly asked in

coding interviews and they're really

difficult it's hard to get good at these

problems a lot of people study these

wrong they try to memorize the solution

if they ask you that question in a

coding interview and you do have it

memorized fair enough lucky you but

ideally you should try to understand how

the solution works and the patterns used

for it so here's how I like to structure

my lead Code Practice in notion I like

to to use a canb board because it lets

me move the problems into specific

categories I have four simple categories

haven't solved needs review solved and

today the categories are pretty

straightforward and whenever I create a

new problem it has this information the

question name the difficulty the type of

problem and the time it took to solve it

and once you click on a problem it's

going to have this information the

problem statement so I just copy this

from leode to have the information in

one place and then I like to have a

solution section I always try to come up

with at least two approaches a four

solution and an optimized one sometimes

I like to add another solution just to

keep things open-minded and for each

solution I like to have this information

the code obviously and I make sure to

have comments in the code explaining

each step of the process and then I also

add the time complexity and the space

complexity because sometimes they'll ask

you this in the interview so it's good

practice to know it all right so that's

everything regarding how I set up notes

now when it comes to deciding which

problems I want to do for the day I like

to have this structure I try to do at

least three problems a day if I'm

starting to interview and then I step it

up to five problems but I make sure that

I have these requirements one question

that I haven't solved one question that

I need to review and one question that

I've solved before and if I feel like

solving more questions then I can decide

either another question that I need a

review or another question that I need

to solve the reason I like to have a

question that I've solved before is

remember space repetition I'm taking a

gap between the time I solve the problem

so the more problems I solve the larger

the Gap is so if I can't solve a problem

it goes into review and if I can solve

it then it'll go to the solve and I make

sure I put it at the bottom not the top

by structuring my interview preparation

like this in notion I can easily review

problems I can track my progress and I

can focus on areas where I need

Improvement now I know what some of you

might be thinking this all sounds great

but it seems like a lot of work to set

up and you're not wrong but here's the

thing the time you invest in setting up

an efficient study system pays off tfold

in the long run remember what I said I

like to get done in 2 hours what another

person does in 8 hours that's the plan

that's the goal and if that doesn't

motivate you here's some software

engineering salaries to motivate you if

you want to get started with notion and

try out some of the techniques I've

shown you today I have a special link in

the description below and if you're a

student you'll also get a discount for

notion AI so moral of the story you'll

never be a good programmer