How to Solve Programming Problems

A simple set of steps

• simple set of steps to follow which you can use for any algorithm type programming problem.

  • Read the problem completely twice.
  • Solve the problem manually with 3 sets of sample data.
  • Optimize the manual steps.
  • Write the manual steps as comments or pseudo-code.
  • Replace the comments or pseudo-code with real code.
  • Optimize the real code.

Time Mangement

Act like you make $1000/hr

• If you don’t treat yourself and your time with respect, you will become unhappy, resentful, and tired. Your body and mind long for mastery and freedom; you can’t have those things if your time is cheap and easily taken.

• As you think, so you are.
• Treat your time as a valuable commodity, and people will begin to treat it like that, too.
• “The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.” -Warren Buffet

The 5 Whys

• The method is remarkably simple: when a problem occurs, you drill down to its root cause by asking “Why?” five times. Then, when a counter-measure becomes apparent, you follow it through to prevent the issue from recurring.
• The 5 Whys uses “counter-measures,” rather than “solutions.” A counter-measure is an action or set of actions that seeks to prevent the problem from arising again, while a solution may just seek to deal with the symptom. As such, counter-measures are more robust, and will more likely prevent the problem from recurring.
• You can use 5 Whys for troubleshooting, quality improvement, and problem solving, but it is most effective when used to resolve simple or moderately difficult problems.

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