Absolutely, it's perfectly fine to have two code editors open and copy code that you've learned. In fact, this can be a very effective way to reinforce your learning. Here are some tips to help you remember what you're learning:
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Active Practice: Actively writing out code, even if you're copying it, helps reinforce the syntax and concepts. Over time, you'll find that you need to refer to the original code less and less.
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Commenting: As you write out the code, add comments explaining what each part does. This will help you understand the logic and purpose behind the code.
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Small Projects: Try to build small projects or components using the concepts you've learned. This will give you practical experience and help solidify your understanding.
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Repetition: Rewriting code and altering it slightly is a great way to learn. It helps you understand how changes affect the outcome and reinforces the concepts.
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Flashcards: Use flashcards for syntax and concepts. Tools like Anki can be very helpful for this.
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Pair Programming: If possible, pair up with someone else who is learning. Teaching and explaining concepts to others is a great way to reinforce your own understanding.
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Documentation: Get comfortable with reading documentation. It's an invaluable skill that will help you throughout your programming career.
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Break Down Problems: When you encounter a problem, break it down into smaller, manageable parts. This makes it easier to understand and solve.
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Consistent Practice: Try to code every day, even if it's just for a short period. Consistency is key to retaining what you've learned.
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Join Communities: Engage with communities like Laracasts, Stack Overflow, or other forums. Asking questions and helping others can greatly enhance your learning.
Regarding learning JavaScript as a beginner, Laracasts is indeed a great place to start. The tutorials are well-structured and cater to different levels of expertise. Additionally, there are many other resources available online, such as MDN Web Docs, freeCodeCamp, and various YouTube channels dedicated to JavaScript.
Here's a small example to illustrate how you might practice:
// Original code
function greet(name) {
return `Hello, ${name}!`;
}
console.log(greet('Alice')); // Output: Hello, Alice!
Now, try altering it slightly:
// Altered code
function greet(name, timeOfDay) {
return `Good ${timeOfDay}, ${name}!`;
}
console.log(greet('Alice', 'morning')); // Output: Good morning, Alice!
By making small changes, you can see how the function adapts and learn more about how JavaScript works.
Keep practicing, and don't hesitate to ask questions when you're stuck. Happy coding!