How fast could you learn if you could choose what to remember?

Memories degrade quickly over time. However, every time you are forced to recall a memory it strengthens and diminishes more slowly.

Spaced Repetition is the process of using software to quiz yourself on what you want to remember the moment when you are likely to forget it. The memory will be strong for minutes, then hours, then days, weeks and into the distant future.

With seven repetitions, and about five minutes of total time invested, you'll likely have that memory forever.

Spaced repetition is an extraordinary tool, great for learning:

• Foreign Languages

• Programming Syntax

• Historical Facts

• Technical Terminology

• Material for exams

Make it easy on yourself: use software.

Anki (at https://apps.ankiweb.net/) is the gold standard. Building flash cards with Anki will let you sync them to the web and review them on your phone.

Make each card as tiny as possible

Many small cards are more efficient that a few long cards. You want to be able to recall each card in a moment or two and move on. As you become more advanced you'll start to use techniques like 'cloze deletes' to make cards succinct.

Separate Decks for Separate Subjects

One huge mistake I made early on was keeping everything I was learning in one mega-deck. Unsurprisingly, my interests have changed, but I'm still being quizzed about topics I've moved on from. Use many decks to keep your options open.

Spaced Repetition helped me get over the hump when I was first learning programming. It's so powerful that I can't believe it isn't talked about more. Give it a spin and find out for yourself!