reference-firstmethod
nounUK /ˈrɛf.rəns fɜːst ˈmɛθ.əd/
US /ˈrɛf.rəns fɜːrst ˈmɛθ.əd/
A way of doing something where you look at an example or guide before you start.
The teacher used a reference-first method by showing us a finished drawing before we began.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A learning style where students study a sample answer before trying the task themselves.
With the reference-first method, she read a good essay before writing her own.
3. A programming habit of checking documentation before writing new code.
He follows a reference-first method, so he always opens the manual before coding.
4. A problem-solving strategy that starts by finding a similar solved case.
Using a reference-first method, they found a past project that matched theirs.