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Build a mental map of where to find things, and then refer back for details as needed: 1. Skim the whole book. The goal here is to learn basic concepts, keywor
by itamarst 9y ago
Build a mental map of where to find things, and then refer back for details as needed:
1. Skim the whole book. The goal here is to learn basic concepts, keywords, and the structure of the book.
2. Start coding, refer back to the book as I encounter things I don't understand.
This works better with paper books, because it's easier to remember where I saw something ("upper corner of left-hand page next to diagram, towards the end of chapter 10").
- walterbell 9y agoMore on skimming: Start with table of contents (topology) then index (vocabulary) if present. Read summary of each chapter, starting at back of the book, working to front of book. Based on that survey, deep dive into new/interesting (to you!) chapters in order of priority. Reference earlier chapters as needed.
- awa 9y agoOT: The book "How to read a book" drives home the importance of skimming a book and how to do it well.
- gmiller123456 9y agoMost books I've read for a long time now start with an overview of the book's chapters in the introduction. Particularly advanced books will even tell you which chapters are prerequisites for others, and which ones you can skip for specific topics.