Do you ever get coder's block, and what are the usual causes, and solutions?

Question

Probably duplicate of

• Dealing with “Coder’s Block” (or blank form syndrome)

Coder's block similar to writer's block that is. Common things I can think that are giving me coder's block right now are (I think) focusing on the big picture so much that I don't know where to start, or knowing exactly what I want to do with a certain technology but not knowing how to actually begin. What other things have you noticed cause coder's block?

Then after that, PLEASE, what's the best solution you have found to cut off the source of your coder's block?

Answer 1

http://stackoverflow.com/questions/45374/dealing-with-coders-block-or-blank-form-syndrome

Please search in future :P

Answer 2

Going through a bit of that myself at the moment.

The usual causes for me are
Exhaustion & Stress
Frustration with a particular project
Not knowing where to start or what to work on

The best advice I can give is to always sit down with a goal in mind. Write a particular class, solve a particular problem. Just forcing myself to narrow the scope of the issue usually does wonders for my productivity.

Additionally getting some extra rest, and a bit of exercise, helps clear my mind. When all else fails, take a break do something else for a bit, and then sit back down with a clear objective in mind and go from there.

It isn't bullet proof- as evidenced by the fact that I'm here rather than working on my own project, but it certainly helps.

Answer 3

Go somewhere quiet away from your computer with pen and paper. Write a short and precise description of what you want to do. Write a list of all the actions involved. Group the actions into abstractions. Think about whether such groupings are flexible enough to cover your scope, but not needlessly intricate. Return to computer and implement the most basic abstraction and a small test for it and progress from there.

Answer 4

I find exercise really energizes the brain, provides insight to new solutions, and gives some time away from the computer.

Answer 5

Do something else. Leave your computer at home and do something (anything) outside. I find dog walking to be an excellent way of clearing blockages in my mind. There is something oddly therapeutic about watching a Spaniel chase yet never catch rabbits which makes solutions to coding problems pop into my head.

Good luck.

Ian

Answer 6

Trying not to repeat the other answers:

1. Work on different problems in different domains
2. Switch your daily routine
3. Learn something new
4. Try not to force yourself to solve the problem
5. [Repeat yes] Exercise