Tips for Taking Effective Notes as a Programming Beginner

I’m just starting to learn programming, and while I’m excited, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the new concepts. I want to take notes to help solidify what I’m learning, but I’m not sure of the best way to go about it.

Should I take physical or digital notes? How should I organize them? Is it best to try and write down everything or just the key points?

I’m turning to this forum community to get advice on the best way for a beginner like me to take notes on programming topics. Here are some of my specific questions:

  • Is taking notes helpful for learning programming, or should I just focus on practicing code?

  • If taking notes is recommended, what’s the best format - physical or digital? What tools do you recommend for digital notes?

  • How should I organize my notes - by language, by topic, chronologically? What’s worked well for you when starting out?

  • When taking notes on a specific concept, what level of detail is best? Should I try to capture everything or just summarize the key points?

  • How can I make my notes most effective and easy to review later on? Any tips for formatting, structure, etc?

  • How often should I review my notes to solidify what I’m learning? Is there anything else I should do besides taking notes that will help with retention and understanding?

Any advice you can provide as experienced programmers who were once beginners themselves would be greatly appreciated! I want to make sure I set myself up for success by taking effective notes from the start. Thank you! I’m just starting to learn programming, and while I’m excited, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the new concepts. I want to take notes to help solidify what I’m learning, but I’m not sure of the best way to go about it.

Should I take physical or digital notes? How should I organize them? Is it best to try and write down everything or just the key points?

I’m turning to this forum community to get advice on the best way for a beginner like me to take notes on programming topics. Here are some of my specific questions:

  • Is taking notes helpful for learning programming, or should I just focus on practicing code?

  • If taking notes is recommended, what’s the best format - physical or digital? What tools do you recommend for digital notes?

  • How should I organize my notes - by language, by topic, chronologically? What’s worked well for you when starting out?

  • When taking notes on a specific concept, what level of detail is best? Should I try to capture everything or just summarize the key points?

  • How can I make my notes most effective and easy to review later on? Any tips for formatting, structure, etc?

  • How often should I review my notes to solidify what I’m learning? Is there anything else I should do besides taking notes that will help with retention and understanding?

Any advice you can provide as experienced programmers who were once beginners themselves would be greatly appreciated! I want to make sure I set myself up for success by taking effective notes from the start. Thank you!

There are as many opinions on notes as there are people taking notes.

Personally, I say you should do what works for you. Programming isn’t about memorization, so for me I jot things down as I’m figuring them out and then throw away the notes when I’m done.

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