I know that I do my best coding late at night with Groove Salad playing in the background, but I was wondering how other people feel they do their best coding.
So my question is this - where and when do you do your best coding? Is there anything that you absolutely need to code?
No interruptions. Quiet is less important since I usually use headphones.
For me it's the mental rather than physical 'environment' that counts. You can have the best set-up in the world, but if your head's not there it's not worth a damn IMHO.
Personally, I have written awesome code in the busiest of airport waiting lounges on my trusty lappie and I have (sadly) written crappy code in the pristine conditions of my triple-monitor, big-window-with-a-view, phone-turned-off, appropriate-music-playing, home-office that I am lucky enough to work from most of the time.
No interruptions, music playing quietly nearby, but not from the computer, decent lighting in the work area, but dark around (either night or a basement). Good quality pair of monitors and a place to keep notes other than on the computer that I can read while I work, and a decent bookshelf within reach.
I like my current job. Someone gives me work to do on a Monday and expects status updates every Friday until its done. No pressure, no interruptions, no bureaucracy, no bullshit.
When: during the night....
I don't know why I often see this pattern not just for me. It's not because of the calm, but rather of some geeky imaturity I think.
My best work is done when I'm "in the zone", which takes some time and focus to get into.
Ways in which my work environment maps: 3, 4
Ways in which my home environment maps: 1, 2, 3
Everyone takes it for granted these days, but the only thing I really need is an internet connection. If I have access to sites like this one, then I can fly. If I don't, then I am far slower.
Other than that somewhat obvious requirement, I like to listen to Pandora.
30" displays. after 6pm in evening, mini fridge under desk , fast pc and no iternet connection so that i dont get distracted.
Four walls and a door... And preferably the ability to play music without earphones.
My best coding happens late at night, often between 10PM and 3AM. Not only is it a result of everyone else being asleep so I don't get interrupted, but my mind also knows that most everyone else is asleep. Sometimes, your mind needs to be tricked for it to perform at its peak. If I was working at 5PM when everyone is getting off of work, then it would be the worst time to code (for me) since I'd know that everyone was out getting dinner, having drinks, going to events, and I'd want to go too.
Big widescreen monitor, comfortable chair, Kinesis Contoured ergonomic keyboard. I also find that it really helps to have a view to the distance, out the window. Paradoxically I am more comfortable and therefore more productive when I have my door open so I can see what is happening in the nearby indoor space as well, but I don't want noise or people to come through the door and interrupt me. Just photons.
This is probably why late morning is my best hacking time. I am alert but the students aren't fully awake and roaming the halls yet.
For me, the best coding environment is anywhere except at work. We have an alarm that rings whenever the receptionist doesn't pick up the phone, and its right in front of where I sit. The building slakes whenever a truck drives past, and its an open structure building so you can hear everyone talking and its very noisy. I normally put in my earphones and listen to heavy metal while I code, thats where my zone is :)