How to Take Notes for Technical Things, by Tina Huang on YouTube. 12 min 37 s.
- Video length
- 12 min 37 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Before the lecture or reading session, skim the topic headings and write down the terms you do not recognise. Leave space under each one to fill in a definition later.
Write definitions in your own words instead of copying slides word for word. If you cannot rephrase a concept, you do not understand it yet, so mark it for review.
For code, write short snippets by hand and add a one-line comment above each line explaining what it does. Do not paste long blocks you will never reread.
For math, copy each formula and then write out what every symbol means and when the formula applies. Work one full example underneath it.
Draw a simple diagram for anything with structure, such as data flow, a network or a process. Label the parts and the direction of the arrows.
At the end of each section, write two or three questions you could be asked on the topic. Answer them from memory the next day.
Keep a separate list of gaps and questions as you go. Ask them in class, in a study group or by searching the official documentation.
Review your notes within 24 hours and rewrite only the parts you cannot explain. Add links to the source docs next to each concept.
Tips and common mistakes
Do not transcribe the lecture word for word, because typing everything stops you from thinking about the meaning.
Leave a wide margin on each page so you can add corrections and examples during review.
Use one consistent format for code, formulas and diagrams so your notes stay easy to scan later.
Questions
Should I take technical notes by hand or on a laptop?
Handwriting slows you down and pushes you to summarise, which helps with math and diagrams. Use a laptop when you need to copy code accurately or link to documentation.
How do I keep up when the lecturer moves fast?
Write only the headings, key terms and one example during the lecture. Fill in the detail afterwards from the slides or textbook while the structure is still fresh.
How often should I review technical notes?
Review them the next day, then again after a week. Answer your own questions from memory each time and only reread the parts you get wrong.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
