Memorization is definitely useful for programmers. It means you will spend less time browsing API documentation looking up existing functions applicable to your particular problem. If you program a lot in a particular language or API, a little bit of rote memorization saves a lot of time in the long run.
Spaced repetition relies on reviewing items before you forget them, and works best with active recall, not simply reading answers. Reading the docs whenever you forget is much less effective.
