This is a method of programming that just doesn't work for me. If I am at the point where I don't have a good idea of what functions I will be using, than the "encyclopedic list of functions" is just not going to be a help. Often, I find I will just put together a fairly long list of things where a much shorter construct would have worked.

Which is not to say it is bad that you do this. Just, to each their own. I'm much better served by working before getting to the keyboard. Other folks aren't.