The problem with reasoning like this is the implicit assumption that getting better at X does not carry over into performing Y. I promise you, if you memorized

The problem with reasoning like this is the implicit assumption that getting better at X does not carry over into performing Y. I promise you, if you memorized the top 100 computer algorithms by heart, you would absolutely come out a better programmer. Why? Memorizing computer science algorithms is not like memorizing a random string of numbers. Each unit is connected to other units which strengthen your recall and understanding of completely unrelated algorithms and concepts. Our brains organize information in a hierarchical fashion, and when we learn some algorithm we are strengthening our recall and understanding (connections to other concepts) of the basic building blocks of the algorithms. So, for example, while you may never need to roll your own quicksort, the concept of partitioning a set of items based on a pivot is a fundamental concept that will be re-enforced in the process.