Don't just memorize, understand!

We've all heard it, It's good advice. But sometimes, it feels like people treat memorizing like it's cheating, especially in school or tech.

Here's the thing: Understanding and memorizing aren't enemies. They work best together.

Think about:

1. Tech Interviews (The Memory Trap):

You built that awesome project 3 years ago. You understood the problem and solution deeply at the time.
But today? Asked about the specific fix you used, or the exact impact number? Your mind goes blank. You might only remember the big picture.
Why? Understanding doesn't magically save every tiny detail forever. Our brains naturally forget specifics over time, especially under pressure. You need some memorization (or good notes!) to recall those key details when it counts.

2. Coding Problems (Patterns Need Recall):

You understand how algorithms work – like knowing how a bike works.
But in an interview, seeing a problem, you need to recognize which "pattern" (like "Sliding Window" or "Breadth-First Search") fits. That recognition? It often relies on remembering what those patterns look like and when to use them. Understanding the pattern isn't enough if you can't recall it quickly.

3. Machine Learning (The Math Steps):

You understand the goal of an algorithm – say, how linear regression finds a line.
But actually doing it often involves specific math steps: multiply this matrix, take that derivative. Understanding why you do step 3 doesn't mean you automatically remember step 7 without practice. For complex things, memorizing the sequence is part of getting it right.

Why "Just Google It" Isn't Always Enough:

Sure, we have Google and ChatGPT. They're amazing tools! But constantly stopping to look up stuff has downsides:

It Breaks Your Flow: Imagine writing an email and stopping every few words to check spelling. It's slow and frustrating. Coding or solving problems is the same. Needing to constantly look up basic syntax or simple facts kills your focus.
It Slows You Down: Knowing
```
17 * 4 = 68
```
instantly is faster than grabbing your phone. Knowing common code snippets by heart lets you build things quicker.
Fluency Matters: Think of a language. You understand grammar rules, but to speak fluently, you need vocabulary memorized. Tech is similar. Memorizing the basics makes you smoother and more confident.

Memory is Part of Your Skill:

Think about what makes someone experienced:

It's not just understanding concepts abstractly.
It's also having a library of specific things in your head: solutions you've used, common bugs and fixes, key commands, important formulas, project details.
If you forgot all those specifics tomorrow, even with your "understanding," you'd feel like a beginner again in many practical situations. Your memory holds your unique experience.

Takeaway:

Don't feel bad about memorizing! It's not the opposite of understanding; it's often its partner.

Understand First: Always aim to grasp the why and the concept.
Then, Memorize Key Bits: Actively work on remembering the important details, steps, patterns, or commands that support that understanding. Use notes, flashcards, or practice.
Tools are Helpers, Not Replacements: Use Google and AI for learning new things or tricky problems, not as a crutch for the core stuff you should know.

By combining understanding with smart memorization, you build a stronger, faster, and more reliable skillset – for exams, interviews, and your daily work. It's not cheating; it's being efficient.