How long does it usually take for code to start feeling "natural" and being able to solve things without looking it up?

I honestly think, at least for myself, that there is nothing wrong with finding the right solution external to yourself. What's more important is that you were able to come up with an initial idea. Every "technology" has its strengths. Mix and match and find the right combo.

For instance, computers are dumb as shit if they aren't told what to do, but humans have a strength in that they can come up with an idea. Forums/threads are similar in that they have a strength of acting as communication device between tons of different people. Use it as another tool. Every profession has to look up references. Obviously you try to do as much as you can and max out your strengths (and even increase your strength), but you need balance and that's using tool to augment your efforts.

/r/learnprogramming Thread