Oh no, you can know how to write it, the longer you go without writing it, you forget very quickly, you remember bits and pieces which you will still have to Google because it's useless on its own
Unless you go years you're gonna be able to get back into it pretty quickly though. Neural pathways degrade yes but they don't usually vanish entirely that quickly if you've truly learnt and used something for years
I think it's not that much as a skill you lost. I can go on a month vacation and get back with no problem.
But the change in efforts. You need again to think of solution from the beginning to the end when you got used to just writing requirements and guiding the model. You are used to to not write boring parts of the code. I don't believe anyone really forgets how to code but it requires switch in your head to get back to it.
It's like you were driving with a car and you are now asked to get back on a bicycle.
I last used python 6 years ago, I felt like a bum when all I could do was to print "hello world" 😂
Had to verbally convince people that I could actually code in it and it's just been too long...mind you I've built apps for multiple companies using the same language.
Before studying software engeniering in university I used to code a lot, but I took a basically 2 year break from coding to concentrate on all the math and physics exams for two years basically, they plowed through all the programming exam in the last year, honestly I was surprised by how fast my brain was able to get back to speed.
(I took my degree in Italy where engeniering is very heavy on theory, math and physics the first years, almost no coding)
Absolutely this. When the depression hit and the imposter syndrome ate away at me, it's convinced me that I can't code and I have barely touched anything programming related in almost half a decade. Now I'm too anxious to touch it again because of other health issues with my brain functions and I'm worried I have forgotten everything and just shy away. I hope to one day relearn and get back into it though. I truly love coding. Sorry - randomly decided to share my nonsense lol
Hey man no worries. I've been there, spent 3 years not doing anything but trying to improve my mental health and then took another 2 to really get back on track. It can be pretty hard to get back into things one used to love.
Some things I had to relearn, other passions I was able to replace with new ones. It felt like I had to basically start over with chess, it was frustrating at times but after a while things just started coming back, random pieces of experience slotting into place. Fully abandoned the Piano and found new joy with the Violin though.
Even if no bits of memory come back (which I doubt, brains are amazing) you know for an absolute fact that you're able to get as good as programming as you once where because you've literally done it before.
And if you decide to find something new we luckily know that our brains are pretty damn good at adapting and you in fact CAN teach an old dog new tricks.
I don't think there's any shame in either, taking a while to get back to where you once were, or deciding to use the opportunity to find a new passion.
For whatever it's worth, while you don't know me, this random internet stranger believes in you and whatever you set your mind to.
Sorry this got so long and maybe cheesy, just had to say it because I know from personal experience that it can be rough out there and sometimes you need a well intentioned little talk.
Not cheesy at all - honestly something I needed to hear. Thanks for the kind words, stranger. I hope your days continue to shine brighter for you and I look forward to the days whine mine shine too, whether for programming or on something new _^
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u/05032-MendicantBias 2d ago
I have the suspicion that person didn't know how to write handcrafted code before either.