[tristan_juricek]

I've been trying practice better, as I think we all tend to mostly learn by using or reading documentation.

I started "exercising" a bit before I kick into coding. A few different exercises I made so far:

1. API Memorization: go through an API and try to build something that executes each function once. This is great with a REPL.

2. Reading code: find a sweet, highly regarded open source library, and, well, just pick up a file and read it.

3. Improving tool usage: improve typing speed, memorizing functionality of your editor, etc.

I try to do one exercise for about 30-45 minutes daily (if possible). I write down what I read or memorized in a spreadsheet. Maybe I'm anal.

I see exercises like how sports folk practice, or how musicians (I play the saxophone) do scales, etc. It just kind of rounds ya out a bit. Over time, you just get a little faster.