Anki
Anki is a spaced repetition software (SRS) that schedules flashcard reviews at optimal intervals for long-term retention. It exploits the testing effect and spacing effect—two of the most robust findings in learning science.
How Spaced Repetition Works
Traditional studying crams information that quickly fades. Spaced repetition schedules reviews just before you'd forget, strengthening memory with minimal effort:
- Easy cards → longer intervals
- Hard cards → shorter intervals
- The algorithm adapts to your performance
Effective Anki Usage
Keep cards atomic: One fact per card. "What year did X happen?" not "Tell me everything about X."
Use cloze deletions: {{c1::This text}} creates fill-in-the-blank cards.
Add context: Include why something matters, not just the bare fact.
Review daily: Skipped days compound. 15 minutes daily beats 2 hours weekly.
Make your own cards: The creation process itself aids learning.
When to Use Anki
Good for:
- Language vocabulary
- Medical/legal facts
- Programming syntax
- Historical dates and facts
Not ideal for:
- Conceptual understanding (use other methods first)
- Skills requiring practice (need actual doing)
- Information you don't need long-term