Comment by craftkiller
4 days ago
When I was younger, we all had to memorize phone numbers. I still remember those numbers (even the defunct ones) but I haven't learned a single new number since getting a cellphone.
When I was younger, I had to memorize how to drive to work/the grocery store/new jersey. I still remember those routes but I haven't learned a single new route since getting a smartphone.
Are we ready to stop learning as programmers? I certainly am not and it sounds like you aren't either. I'll let myself plateau when I retire or move into management. Until then, every night debugging and experimenting has been building upon every previous night debugging and experimenting, ceaselessly progressing towards mastery.
I can largely relate... that said, I rarely rely on my phone for remembering routes to places I've been before. It does help that I've lived in different areas of my city and suburbs (Phoenix) so I'm generally familiar with most of the main streets, even if I haven't lived on a given side of town in decades.
The worst is when I get inclined to go to a specific restaurant I haven't been to in years and it's completely gone. I've started to look online to confirm before driving half an hour or more.
I noticed this also, and ever since, I've made it a point to always have memorized my SO's number and my best friend's number.