10 tips to help software developers improve efficiency

I attended a seminar on efficiency and time management and read some books in this area. I learned many profound ideas and made many changes in my consistent way of working. Using this new knowledge, I thoroughly re-designed my workflow framework-which dramatically improved my work efficiency.

I would like to share with you the most important small suggestions for improving efficiency. This will not only increase the workload, but also allow more time to be spent on other aspects.

1. Do not read emails in the morning

If something stops you from writing this article, you may be reading the email. Once again, do not read emails early in the morning. If you read emails, the positive and optimistic emotions we originally wanted will be replaced by negative ones.

You can view and reply to an email only within the specified time of the day. You can check the email again between four o'clock P.M.-and around before the lunch break, do more meaningful things when you are energetic. Do not think "urgent mail" is really urgent.

2. Avoid meeting as much as possible

In an enterprise, a meeting may be the most productive killer. Next, let's talk about the "meeting killer" that you know, I know, and do not necessarily recognize ".

"Meetings are a highly indulgent activity that companies and other large organizations are habitually engaged in, just because they cannot be freed in a practical sense," said Dave Barry.

What's more interesting is that the meeting killed the productivity of most employees at the same time, which is amazing! So if it is not a crucial and non-essential meeting, ignore it. You have a lot to do. After the meeting, ask your colleagues to learn about the important content of the meeting. If the meeting is really important (in fact this is rare), remember the following points:

• Try to go to the meeting in the afternoon, because the work efficiency at that time is relatively low.
• Discuss the agenda of the topic and do not deviate from the topic
• Set a strict end time to stop the meeting.
• Make sure you have a clear and feasible next step before leaving the meeting room.

3. eliminate interference Information

This interference information is huge. In this information age, the world is full of interference information from various aspects, hindering your work. I can divide the interference information into two categories: our own interference information and other interference information.

Let's talk about our own interference information. It sounds strange, but the fact is that we managed not to make ourselves highly productive people, and we didn't do it consciously. For example, when an important event occurs, you set up an e-mail or social media account to "remind" yourself that this behavior is "crazy" for you ", because you need to switch back and forth between different tasks.

Once you really want to execute the task, you should strictly set the work key to avoid distracting yourself. First, disable all communications, including text messages and Facebook. Exit E-mail or do not exit, but ensure that the automatic sending/receiving option is unavailable. Then, cancel (or close) unnecessary websites, such as dzone and Hacker News. Note that I did not say "not usable". I just said "cancel access ". Everyone is a strange guy. I believe you can find technical methods to complete it. You can use the low-level method: edit the main file of the device so that Facebook.com points to the 127.0.0.1 return address, or use a plug-in to temporarily block access to the URL. I personally use the blocksite plug-in. With this equipment, you can avoid interference caused by most of them.

Let's talk about the interference made by others. You may argue that the above interference is caused by others, but the fact is that no one forces you to check Twitter or Facebook. What I am talking about here is the interference imposed on people. For example, you may often encounter such a situation. Your manager sent you an email and then called to ask if you have received the email.

When talking about productivity, let's take a look at this: When you debug code, a colleague poked you and asked you how to use Java to accomplish something unimportant, your first response is "bastard, use Google search!"

In reality, it is a bit tricky to prevent such interference because the interference information can easily penetrate the acceptable bottom line of social media. Some people think that they should use headphones to send in phone calls to the voice mailbox, and then check and put a piece of paper on the computer with the words "do not disturb, the program is being improved" and so on. First, clarify the content of the work, and then gradually carry out the work. This is intended for uninterrupted work.

4. Prepare a task list

In the evening, you should set up a clear list of important tasks to be completed the next day. The redundant plan list is useless. You only need to list two or three important tasks. Once the plan is completed, your project will reflect significant progress. It can be said: "If I have completed these two tasks today, will I feel very rewarding on this day ?" If so, write it down.

5. Do the most important task first

As mentioned above, emails are not the first thing to handle. The important tasks are on your list! The most important task has been identified, so you can sit down and complete it. Ideally, the first task is completed at a time, and the second important task on the list is processed by taking a break.

6. batch processing is not only used in Databases

Most people are familiar with query batch processing. Simply put, you "batch processing" has many similar database queries that only send one request and get better performance. Optimization plays a major role here. You can use the same rules in your task to minimize activation costs and daily expenses caused by some tasks. A good example of task batch processing is email check, and there is usually repetitive work for cell phone calls.

7. The future of automation is endless

Another item added to the productivity toolbox is the automation concept. As a programmer, we basically live in a very automated environment, but we can still see things that require manual solutions. In many cases, it may lead to many mistakes. People decide to manually process some boring and ordinary transactions that can be easily automated. Look, the human race has declined, which is less reliable than machines. It is even worse when the transactions at hand are boring and insignificant. Automate as many transactions as possible. For example, you can implement a complete application with just one click, and deploy the application to the production server with only one script. To be honest, do not lose energy and physical strength for faster things that can be handled by those machines. It will be more reliable without your participation.

8. Work and rest in combination to maximize results

Now it is time to discuss how to build a working framework. I suggest allocating specific time periods, working hours, rest periods, and playing periods. For example, you can spend 45 consecutive minutes on a specified job, and then take a 15-minute break to access the Internet, upgrade social media, and read the latest Java code geeks articles, during this period, I had to leave my computer for some soft exercise, stand up and move around, and sit still and hurt my body. When doing other things, the concept of "playing" is to reward yourself during work hours. Our brain is a mysterious thing. I can assure you that a reward mechanism like standing up and walking will allow you to do more and get happiness at the same time.

9. Write down what you have done

The habits mentioned here can be achieved, whether it's your new ideas, the methods you want to follow to solve the problem, or the bills you will pay tomorrow. You must ensure that your brain is not consumed by the "Memory", but focused on the specific goals you are trying to accomplish.

Imagine your brain as a computer CPU. What you mean is similar to opening several programs behind the scenes. As a result, the pause cannot work, and the program that records things will unload the brain and allow it to run in the best way.

Separate the list and classify your ideas. The list can include "potential projects", "what you want to buy", and "Development", so that you can quickly scan them in the future.

10. Use the "stream" volume to work in the "Zone"

This is what we want to achieve through rational design of the work framework. All the suggestions mentioned above will help you achieve your goals. I am sure you have experienced the "stream" or "in the region" status, because it is well known among programmers. During this time period, you have fully invested in your work, focused on special tasks, and even forgot the time. Nothing except the code exists. External stimulation does not affect your brain. Only you and your favorite ide. I bet 80% of programmers have experienced "stream" events during programming. Hell, I fell into the "zone" when I wrote this article!

You have to put yourself in the "stream" location that is easy to enter when you stand for a long time. This is the essence of the article. This is the model of brain evolution during a long period of work, constantly improving the working ability. I believe that you and I enjoy working in the same area, so why don't you give yourself more opportunities?

Now you know, some simple suggestions can make full use of our time. It takes a week or two to try.
Sharing is caring. If you think these tips are useful, you may wish to share them with your colleagues to create a better working environment.