There’s a myth that once you become a senior developer, you’re supposed to have every bit of syntax and library reference burned into your memory. That seniors never need to look things up because…

Faun

Senior developers often Google basic syntax not due to a lack of knowledge, but because they focus on strategic thinking and problem-solving rather than memorizing specific syntax. This approach helps manage cognitive load, allowing them to utilize external resources efficiently. The skill of efficiently finding information is a hallmark of seniority. Teaching juniors to embrace Googling as a normal practice can help reduce imposter syndrome and highlight that expertise lies in judgment and application of concepts.

Why Senior Developers Google Basic Syntax

Now I wish interviewers would understand that syntax of things is widely available and easy to find in mere seconds, while solutions to problems are not. 😉
Great article. 😀

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Senior developers often Google basic syntax not due to a lack of knowledge, but because they focus on strategic thinking and problem-solving rather than memorizing specific syntax.
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I used to think that I’m getting old and decrepit or that the years of using LLM finally caused the dreaded brain rot…
But now this is what I’ll gaslight myself into.
Btw. I use Arch.

I have to learn Regex every time I use it…

I code in 5 different programming languages for 3 projects in work.
I always look for syntax in Google or elsewhere. There’s no way I can memorize everything. What really matters is getting into the mindset of the language you’re using. That’s what helps you build things the right way and know what to search for when you get stuck.

New coders: Ha ha! boomers need to look up basic syntax!
also new coders: brb vibe coding my new awesome app.