If it makes you feel any better, I think this is almost true for everyone. There are so many "basic things" that it's hard to keep them all in memory. I'd hav

If it makes you feel any better, I think this is almost true for everyone. There are so many "basic things" that it's hard to keep them all in memory. I'd have to look up all these things you're talking about (other than maybe two's complement, but even then, I'd look it up just to be safe). Much of this memory trouble is also referenced in the interviewing process, since they want you to remember it but in real world scenarios, everyone just goes and looks up a reference. On the other hand, I think by having to "relearn"/refresh these things, it makes you faster at taking on something you don't know, which I find to be pretty common. It also sounds like a lot of things you're doing are based on standards or formats, which are much harder than most people give them credit for. I always have to refer to the standard. How do I avoid these details? I try to use libraries wherever possible, although these tend to be another thing I have to reference anyway!