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+--- Thread: Hey Nixers, what do you do when you are stuck on a programming/tech problem? (/Thread-Hey-Nixers-what-do-you-do-when-you-are-stuck-on-a-programming-tech-problem)
Hey Nixers, what do you do when you are stuck on a programming/tech problem? - gmk - 27-07-2019
I've been stuck on the same programming problem for the past week, and I'm starting to think about calling quits. What do you do in such situations when it comes to programming/*nix/tech/life Et cetera?
RE: Hey Nixers, what do you do when you are stuck on a programming/tech problem? - Tmplt - 28-07-2019
Whenever I'm stuck it's usually because of exhaustion or a mental block. Postponing the problem for later, or doing something else (e.g. going on a walk) always help. There have been many occasions where I figure out a solution while not being in front of the computer. The rubber duck technique is also useful.
RE: Hey Nixers, what do you do when you are stuck on a programming/tech problem? - jkl - 28-07-2019
I usually just put it away for a while.
RE: Hey Nixers, what do you do when you are stuck on a programming/tech problem? - prx* - 29-07-2019
I go running, read a book, or do anything else for a while.
Then, I try to think on a sheet of paper.
RE: Hey Nixers, what do you do when you are stuck on a programming/tech problem? - Halfwit - 29-07-2019
Rubber ducking and paper programming are fundamental tools, though indeed getting out and burning off energy is key to all manner if productivity.
RE: Hey Nixers, what do you do when you are stuck on a programming/tech problem? - venam - 29-07-2019
When I get stuck on an issue, whatever it is, what I usually do is brainstorm the hell out of the topic until I feel confused about it. I then let it sit down for some time. Finally, I try to come up with a summary of the information and explain it to others to get their opinions. Usually during the process of explanation things slowly start to come together.
RE: Hey Nixers, what do you do when you are stuck on a programming/tech problem? - pkal - 29-07-2019
If you've been working on it for more than a week, then you've probably already taken a break. Usually that helps, but otherwise I like 1. trying to explain the issue (both the problem I'm solving as well as the solution) to an imaginary listener (or possibly even a real one, if I'm lucky) 2. try rewriting parts of the code, at least to get a minimally working version, ideally with a different approach. 3. try to draw/sketch what you're trying to do/actually doing
Life on the other hand, is a bit of a different issue. There's no real algorithm for that ^^
RE: Hey Nixers, what do you do when you are stuck on a programming/tech problem? - Wildefyr - 29-07-2019
walk away and go to the gym or have a swim.
RE: Hey Nixers, what do you do when you are stuck on a programming/tech problem? - Saos - 13-08-2019
Going on a walk is good. Also, scotch.
RE: Hey Nixers, what do you do when you are stuck on a programming/tech problem? - grah - 14-08-2019
If possible, create an analogy from the problem. This will give you a fresh way to view the problem (whilst thinking about it) and also make it accessible to people that know little about programming or tech.
RE: Hey Nixers, what do you do when you are stuck on a programming/tech problem? - xero - 19-08-2019
i whole heartedly believe in exploiting the observer effect. it seems like as soon as i give up and ask for help on a problem i discover the answer myself. the statistics on my self answered stackoverflow questions speaks for itself.
seriously though. ask for help when you get frustrated.