It really doesn’t matter how long. If you practice with your fingers, no amount is enough. If you practice with your head, two hours a day is plenty. Improvement requires you giving the task your full attention. One hour of intense and focused practice is better than 8 hours of practice interrupted by distractions.
Try out your ideas by visualizing them in action.
- David Seabury
Visualize the data structure and every line of code using your brain. You will learn how to visualize in the core concepts module of this unique training program.
Nikola Tesla
Think with pen and paper. The act of writing exercises our brains in ways that typing on the computer cannot. According to research in the Developmental Science journal, the best way to learn something is to write it out on paper. Handwriting activates large regions of the brain responsible for thinking, language, healing and working memory.
In their book, the authors of Software Design Decoded - 66 Ways Experts Think say:
DRAW THE PROBLEM
Experts externalize their thoughts by sketching when they think. They sketch on paper, whiteboards, napkins and inside their minds all the time. They know that sketching is a way to interact with their own thoughts, an opportunity to externalize, examine and advance what they have in their minds.
No. The way you practice is more important than the number of hours spent on practicing. In an upcoming article, we will discuss about different types of practice and the ideal way to practice. For more details read the book Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise by Dr Anders Ericsson and Robert Pool.
Learning a programming language, like learning any other skill, is not simply about the time you put in. The quality of your practice and the manner in which you approach it are of utmost importance.
According to David Seabury, you should “Try out your ideas by visualizing them in action.” This is indeed a potent way to grapple with new programming concepts. You need to be able to mentally manipulate data structures and visualize how the code functions. This mental visualization is a core concept of effective learning, and it can significantly enhance your understanding and ability to implement code.
This idea aligns with the thoughts of inventor Nikola Tesla. He stated, “My method is different. I do not rush into actual work. When I get a new idea, I start at once building it up in my imagination, and make improvements and operate the device in my mind.” This mental rehearsal strategy used by Tesla helps to identify potential issues and streamline solutions before ever touching a physical tool or writing a line of code.
Moreover, traditional methods such as writing code on paper can help consolidate your knowledge. Studies have shown that handwriting activates parts of the brain responsible for thinking, language, healing, and working memory. It is a method that has been somewhat overlooked in the digital age, but it can provide substantial benefits for learners.
This aligns with advice from the authors of “Software Design Decoded - 66 Ways Experts Think.” They explain that experts tend to visualize the problem as much as they visualize the solution. They sketch, jot down, and make notes to capture their thought process. By externalizing their thoughts, they can examine them more objectively and use these insights to fuel further understanding.
So, do you need to practice for 10,000 hours to become proficient? No, it’s not merely about the hours. It’s about how you use those hours. Effective practice involves deep focus, visualization, active problem-solving, and continuous learning. For a more in-depth understanding of this concept, consider reading the book “Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise” by Dr. Anders Ericsson and Robert Pool, which explores the ways in which we can achieve our full potential.