I think there are two learning styles, one is to learn by doing, filling in the gaps as you go. The other is to front load information first and then apply it b

I think there are two learning styles, one is to learn by doing, filling in the gaps as you go. The other is to front load information first and then apply it by doing. For me, I learn the most by getting a broad overview of the material first, understanding how other people have used it, etc. then applying it myself. For copying code, I actually do this to get a feel for a new language. An analogy might be to carefully watch Tiger Woods swing a golf club, then replicate the motion yourself to build muscle memory for the swing, then go out to the driving range and hit balls yourself.