> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://books.codepath.org/student-handbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://books.codepath.org/student-handbook/software-engineering/success-as-a-software-engineer/dont-just-copy-and-paste.md).

# Don't Just Copy & Paste

**Source:** <https://twitter.com/thecodercoder/status/1257299407151783936>

When you are learning something, following a tutorial or guide, reading StackOverflow, or learning a new language:

* Don't just copy & paste. It's harder to make yourself stop and try to understand but worth it.
* When you're are learning a new concept, go through each section one time to start off
* Take notes and jot down thoughts or key parts&#x20;
* Then pause, digest, and try to recreate the example. See how far you can get without looking back.&#x20;
* Reread or rewatch the same material again, with a focus on what you missed last time
* At each stage, try to force yourself to understand why the code is working or not.
* Be mindful of where you have gaps in your understanding and write those down
* Then work to specifically fill in those gaps, this helps you retain knowledge better
* The more gaps you fill up over time this way, the more you will expand your knowledge
* Google around and check Stackoverflow to further build knowledge and close gaps