10 ways programmers get ideas for programming

Sometimes I get caught in the trap of reading a programming book but not making a process. I can't always find a fun project to work on, even though I know there are plenty of opportunities. If you have the same problem, here are some tips that might help.

1. Chat with other programmers

This is the best source of inspiration, because they will have some ideas you can't imagine. Even some programmer friends, a programming group, or even a meeting. Mixing all of these ideas will definitely give you a new perspective.

2. Chat with non-programmers

First, it's healthy to be around people who make you feel happy or challenged, whether they write code or not. Second, they can inspire you from the user's point of view. What makes them frustrated with computers? Can you come up with a solution?

3 A dedicated workspace

If it is impossible to have a dedicated space, then at least be sure to be quiet at work so that you can focus on the computer without being disturbed. Let this place be your "revolutionary base". Make sure the chair is comfortable and can support the back. Keep the water handy. Don't sit still all day-keep healthy.

4. Have a good development environment

The software version of the previous method hint. I don't care which editor you use (although I recommend vim), but make sure you use an editor that gives you some power and flexibility. Always use source code control--especially I suggest you learn git because it teaches you the concept. Always back up your work. All of this will prevent you from losing your job by being extremely frustrated when you don't use them.

5. An open attitude

Read the Twitter feeds and blogs of your esteemed programmers. (If you want, you can see that my Twitter feed--are mostly programmers.) RSS readers, such as Ruby inside or old-fashioned planets, can be good news sources because they add prominent new programmers without you having to search. Choose blogs that you don't normally read, and subscribe to them.

Yes, it can get you into the trap of reading code without writing code, but getting into a larger coding ecosystem is good for you and a source of inspiration.

6. Read the Good Code

Think about some of the software you like, and then look at the source code of the software. What's the problem? How do you learn from it, or better yet, how can you improve the software? There are a lot of good code sources, but GitHub must be one of the best. The GitHub rebase series on the GitHub blog lists some noteworthy new items, if you want to know more details.

7. Learn a new language

This is a classic proposal that is often referred to. I suggest learning something from the following categories:

Intermediate: C,c + +
Object-oriented: ruby,python,java,c#
Functional:scheme,haskell,erlang
Shell:bash,zsh,awk,sed
Based on Set:sql
The more languages you know, the more you need to think in any language. You can think in more ways, the easier it is to find interesting ways to solve problems, and therefore find an exciting project. (Of course, don't confine yourself to this list.) ）

8. Learn Good skills

Rather than a specific language, learn good general-purpose techniques from books, such as the pragmatic Programmer, Structure and interpretation of computer Programs, and the Little Schemer ". (The last two are particularly about scheme, but very good, well worth reading.) ）

9. Find an entertainment program

Having an entertainment program is delightful, and when you're frustrated with other projects, you can turn to the entertainment program when you find the spring net . No matter what kind of entertainment, as long as you have. Don't feel compelled to share it or make it a success-it's just the thing that helps you solve the problem.

10. Write a game

Many people think that writing games is a waste of time, because few indie games are commercially viable, www.jsgren.com but if you're a player, write one. It is therapeutic, and there are a lot of deep concepts that will naturally emerge in your mind as you work. I wrote a few games, almost all of them have not been published, they are experiments, but also valuable experience wealth. If you don't know how to start, then try Roguelike.

11. Methods of violence

I know that the title is 10 ways, but this one is a bonus tip after you really got inspired. Look at the source of your programming books, RSS feeds, twitter,stack overflow or any other programming information. Find two unrelated themes, even if you just feel slightly interesting. Now find a way to connect the two. Even a little blurry.

For example, on the random, I chose the parser and ... Barrier-free environment. You can get to know them, and then write an HTML parser with special attention to accessibility factors. As of today, I don't see much code on this topic, so this may be a good thing. (Here's an open-source barrier tester, I found an example, but one is not enough.) ）

10 ways programmers get ideas for programming