Want to learn to code? Don't copy and paste, type out other people's code

This is so true.

After 20 years, I've recently switched from csh to bash (so I can use rvm), and I've been applying this neuro-hack to less-used command. When you copy-and-paste, there's a kind of finger-learning that you miss out on.

I agree with this article, typing the code out (as long as you are focusing on it and not just typing absentmindedly) really forces you to read all of the code, which should help you understand what is happening. Just as in the article I have also found myself unable to write my own code at times due to working off of other programs or snippets. When I type it out though I gain a much more thorough knowledge of the api or language.

I also agree strongly with this statement.

When I was in school, I found that the most important part of the notetaking process was manually writing the notes during lectures. Reading them afterwards rarely helped me remember or learn more. Reading notes written by someone else was next to useless.

I fully agree. This is much like studying for a big test and writing out notes before hand.

When I come across something I don't fully understand, I'll take a few minutes to investigate that bit of code to learn even more.

I used to write notes and then throw them straight in the bin. My handwriting was effectively illegible and if I needed to know something, I'd look it up again and write new notes... and throw those away too.