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  3. How do you get in the "ZONE"

How do you get in the "ZONE"

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  • H Offline
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    HomeNuke
    wrote on last edited by
    #1

    When coding how do you guys get into the zone? I was thinking about this last night when I was zoning on a piece of shareware I was about to release. Basically, in my computer room with the lights off, and one desk lamp on my monitor(s) with classical music playing on my computer with my Logitech speakers it was just thumping. I just had code coming to me that usually I would have to look up but I was able to just code through things. The entire code base came to me in an epiphany *Insert inspirational hymn here* Just curious if other programmers do something that gets them in the zone or if they just stare at the screen till inspiration hits, even then that is a method of "zoning" :) HomeNuke

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    • H HomeNuke

      When coding how do you guys get into the zone? I was thinking about this last night when I was zoning on a piece of shareware I was about to release. Basically, in my computer room with the lights off, and one desk lamp on my monitor(s) with classical music playing on my computer with my Logitech speakers it was just thumping. I just had code coming to me that usually I would have to look up but I was able to just code through things. The entire code base came to me in an epiphany *Insert inspirational hymn here* Just curious if other programmers do something that gets them in the zone or if they just stare at the screen till inspiration hits, even then that is a method of "zoning" :) HomeNuke

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      Navin
      wrote on last edited by
      #2

      HomeNuke wrote: Just curious if other programmers do something that gets them in the zone or if they just stare at the screen till inspiration hits, even then that is a method of "zoning" Hmm. For me, it's much more subjective... if it's something I really want to do... e.g., coding a fun new program, then it kind of happens automatically. It also happens when pursuing a bug and I've found a "lead" I must follow. I can't really force myself into a heightened state of awareness.. it either happens or it doesn't. Even a broken clock is right twice a day.

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      • H HomeNuke

        When coding how do you guys get into the zone? I was thinking about this last night when I was zoning on a piece of shareware I was about to release. Basically, in my computer room with the lights off, and one desk lamp on my monitor(s) with classical music playing on my computer with my Logitech speakers it was just thumping. I just had code coming to me that usually I would have to look up but I was able to just code through things. The entire code base came to me in an epiphany *Insert inspirational hymn here* Just curious if other programmers do something that gets them in the zone or if they just stare at the screen till inspiration hits, even then that is a method of "zoning" :) HomeNuke

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        brianwelsch
        wrote on last edited by
        #3

        I have to force myself to put out any "outside" thought. Generally no music is good, but sometimes heavy metal or hardcore rap will get me pumped up, and going. BW "I'm coming with you! I got you fired, it's the least I can do. Well, the least I could do is absolutely nothing, but I'll go you one better and come along!" - Homer J. Simpson

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        • B brianwelsch

          I have to force myself to put out any "outside" thought. Generally no music is good, but sometimes heavy metal or hardcore rap will get me pumped up, and going. BW "I'm coming with you! I got you fired, it's the least I can do. Well, the least I could do is absolutely nothing, but I'll go you one better and come along!" - Homer J. Simpson

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          HomeNuke
          wrote on last edited by
          #4

          I would listen to rap but I find myself getting distracted, so it defeats the purpose of getting in the "zone" for me :) HomeNuke

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          • H HomeNuke

            When coding how do you guys get into the zone? I was thinking about this last night when I was zoning on a piece of shareware I was about to release. Basically, in my computer room with the lights off, and one desk lamp on my monitor(s) with classical music playing on my computer with my Logitech speakers it was just thumping. I just had code coming to me that usually I would have to look up but I was able to just code through things. The entire code base came to me in an epiphany *Insert inspirational hymn here* Just curious if other programmers do something that gets them in the zone or if they just stare at the screen till inspiration hits, even then that is a method of "zoning" :) HomeNuke

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            Maximilien
            wrote on last edited by
            #5

            Between 8am and lunch time ( 12:30pm ), this is MY zone; I code best in the morning, when my head is still clear from most junk that I read from the web and/or listen on the radio; I just am able to concentrate better. After lunch, I get into a little rut, and usually, at around 4pm, I get into another zone, in wich I prepare for the next morning, setting up design, checking-out code. And sometimes, at 5ish(pm) I get some great idea, just when I'm about to leave for home , and that pisses me off ... I send myself emails, with what I was thinking about so I do not forget. Max.

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            • M Maximilien

              Between 8am and lunch time ( 12:30pm ), this is MY zone; I code best in the morning, when my head is still clear from most junk that I read from the web and/or listen on the radio; I just am able to concentrate better. After lunch, I get into a little rut, and usually, at around 4pm, I get into another zone, in wich I prepare for the next morning, setting up design, checking-out code. And sometimes, at 5ish(pm) I get some great idea, just when I'm about to leave for home , and that pisses me off ... I send myself emails, with what I was thinking about so I do not forget. Max.

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              HomeNuke
              wrote on last edited by
              #6

              That actually brings up a good point. I find myself best as a nocturnal programmer. I do all my best coding at night and prefer to good at night. But this stinks because I find myself goofing off during the day so it becomes night, and then I have to do all my work at night so it is like I am putting in double shifts :( HomeNuke

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              • H HomeNuke

                When coding how do you guys get into the zone? I was thinking about this last night when I was zoning on a piece of shareware I was about to release. Basically, in my computer room with the lights off, and one desk lamp on my monitor(s) with classical music playing on my computer with my Logitech speakers it was just thumping. I just had code coming to me that usually I would have to look up but I was able to just code through things. The entire code base came to me in an epiphany *Insert inspirational hymn here* Just curious if other programmers do something that gets them in the zone or if they just stare at the screen till inspiration hits, even then that is a method of "zoning" :) HomeNuke

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                Simon Walton
                wrote on last edited by
                #7

                Usually after 11pm for some reason. I find that my mind is too active during the day and it wanders off whilst trying to concentrate. My productivity doubles after this time. And I can't code with music in the background - but the quiet sounds of the television are essential for me or I'd go mad in the constant silence.

                Simon Walton
                Sonork: 10024

                P

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                • H HomeNuke

                  When coding how do you guys get into the zone? I was thinking about this last night when I was zoning on a piece of shareware I was about to release. Basically, in my computer room with the lights off, and one desk lamp on my monitor(s) with classical music playing on my computer with my Logitech speakers it was just thumping. I just had code coming to me that usually I would have to look up but I was able to just code through things. The entire code base came to me in an epiphany *Insert inspirational hymn here* Just curious if other programmers do something that gets them in the zone or if they just stare at the screen till inspiration hits, even then that is a method of "zoning" :) HomeNuke

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                  Paul Ingles
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #8

                  Generally its in the evening, my brain tends not to wake up until at least 4:00 or 5:00 :) I also make sure there's some music on, although it has to be something reasonably background-esque, anything which isn't going to encourage me to stop and listen. Any of the Gilles Peterson (a DJ on Radio 1 in the UK) compilations are an excellent choice. Anything down tempo effectively. If I hit a brick wall I go off and do something else, then come back later. -- Paul "I need the secure packaging of Jockeys. My boys need a house!" - Kramer, in "The Chinese Woman" episode of Seinfeld MS Messenger: paul@oobaloo.co.uk Sonork: 100.22446

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                  • H HomeNuke

                    When coding how do you guys get into the zone? I was thinking about this last night when I was zoning on a piece of shareware I was about to release. Basically, in my computer room with the lights off, and one desk lamp on my monitor(s) with classical music playing on my computer with my Logitech speakers it was just thumping. I just had code coming to me that usually I would have to look up but I was able to just code through things. The entire code base came to me in an epiphany *Insert inspirational hymn here* Just curious if other programmers do something that gets them in the zone or if they just stare at the screen till inspiration hits, even then that is a method of "zoning" :) HomeNuke

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                    ColinDavies
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #9

                    Suggestion, When you do get into the zone, try to make a quick written note of, What's the time, What have you been digesting before What exercide you have been doing before. What intellectual stuff you were doing beforehand. I find I work best if I have created a plan for that work session before hand, and I have been zoned out watching something like star-trek on the box. Also drinking a hot choclate drink helps before hand. I think the zone is important, as 90+ % of my work comes from being in the zone. Regardz Colin J Davies

                    Sonork ID 100.9197:Colin

                    You are the intrepid one, always willing to leap into the fray! A serious character flaw, I might add, but entertaining. Said by Roger Wright about me.

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                    • H HomeNuke

                      When coding how do you guys get into the zone? I was thinking about this last night when I was zoning on a piece of shareware I was about to release. Basically, in my computer room with the lights off, and one desk lamp on my monitor(s) with classical music playing on my computer with my Logitech speakers it was just thumping. I just had code coming to me that usually I would have to look up but I was able to just code through things. The entire code base came to me in an epiphany *Insert inspirational hymn here* Just curious if other programmers do something that gets them in the zone or if they just stare at the screen till inspiration hits, even then that is a method of "zoning" :) HomeNuke

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                      Jim Crafton
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #10

                      I've found that using various prana-bindu exercise techniques to be quite helpful. Also, contemplating the Infinity of Self as Awareness approaches 1 while sipping sapho is useful as well. As always, your mileage may vary. ¡El diablo está en mis pantalones! ¡Mire, mire!

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                      • H HomeNuke

                        When coding how do you guys get into the zone? I was thinking about this last night when I was zoning on a piece of shareware I was about to release. Basically, in my computer room with the lights off, and one desk lamp on my monitor(s) with classical music playing on my computer with my Logitech speakers it was just thumping. I just had code coming to me that usually I would have to look up but I was able to just code through things. The entire code base came to me in an epiphany *Insert inspirational hymn here* Just curious if other programmers do something that gets them in the zone or if they just stare at the screen till inspiration hits, even then that is a method of "zoning" :) HomeNuke

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                        Thomas Freudenberg
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #11

                        HomeNuke wrote: Just curious if other programmers do something that gets them in the zone or if they just stare at the screen till inspiration hits, even then that is a method of "zoning" I cannot say how I get into the zone, but I get out of the zone when the cleaning staff appears at 5am :suss: Regards Thomas Sonork id: 100.10453 Thömmi


                        Disclaimer:
                        Because of heavy processing requirements, we are currently using some of your unused brain capacity for backup processing. Please ignore any hallucinations, voices or unusual dreams you may experience. Please avoid concentration-intensive tasks until further notice. Thank you.

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                        • H HomeNuke

                          When coding how do you guys get into the zone? I was thinking about this last night when I was zoning on a piece of shareware I was about to release. Basically, in my computer room with the lights off, and one desk lamp on my monitor(s) with classical music playing on my computer with my Logitech speakers it was just thumping. I just had code coming to me that usually I would have to look up but I was able to just code through things. The entire code base came to me in an epiphany *Insert inspirational hymn here* Just curious if other programmers do something that gets them in the zone or if they just stare at the screen till inspiration hits, even then that is a method of "zoning" :) HomeNuke

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                          John Fisher
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #12

                          Usually I just fall into it when I'm working on something interesting. The cool part is that when I realize I'm there, it's usually after I've knocked off a problem or two that I thought would be difficult. That pretty much increases my depth in the zone unless I have to figure out what task comes next. Of course, I often wonder if a paintball gun for the coworkers and telephones wouldn't help me find the zone more often. ;P John

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                          • H HomeNuke

                            When coding how do you guys get into the zone? I was thinking about this last night when I was zoning on a piece of shareware I was about to release. Basically, in my computer room with the lights off, and one desk lamp on my monitor(s) with classical music playing on my computer with my Logitech speakers it was just thumping. I just had code coming to me that usually I would have to look up but I was able to just code through things. The entire code base came to me in an epiphany *Insert inspirational hymn here* Just curious if other programmers do something that gets them in the zone or if they just stare at the screen till inspiration hits, even then that is a method of "zoning" :) HomeNuke

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                            Megan Forbes
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #13

                            It seems to depend on a lot of things, but listening to music while coding is a big part of it.


                            "How many eiffel towels are there in Paris?" "I'd say 10." "Where was the Berlin Wall?" "Israel"

                            Stupid People - posted by Loket

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                            • J Jim Crafton

                              I've found that using various prana-bindu exercise techniques to be quite helpful. Also, contemplating the Infinity of Self as Awareness approaches 1 while sipping sapho is useful as well. As always, your mileage may vary. ¡El diablo está en mis pantalones! ¡Mire, mire!

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                              B Offline
                              brianwelsch
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #14

                              Jim Crafton wrote: ¡El diablo está en mis pantalones! ¡Mire, mire! :laugh: That cracks me up every time I read it. BW "I'm coming with you! I got you fired, it's the least I can do. Well, the least I could do is absolutely nothing, but I'll go you one better and come along!" - Homer J. Simpson

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                              • H HomeNuke

                                When coding how do you guys get into the zone? I was thinking about this last night when I was zoning on a piece of shareware I was about to release. Basically, in my computer room with the lights off, and one desk lamp on my monitor(s) with classical music playing on my computer with my Logitech speakers it was just thumping. I just had code coming to me that usually I would have to look up but I was able to just code through things. The entire code base came to me in an epiphany *Insert inspirational hymn here* Just curious if other programmers do something that gets them in the zone or if they just stare at the screen till inspiration hits, even then that is a method of "zoning" :) HomeNuke

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                                Christian Graus
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #15

                                Heavy metal. Christian No offense, but I don't really want to encourage the creation of another VB developer. - Larry Antram 22 Oct 2002 Hey, at least Logo had, at it's inception, a mechanical turtle. VB has always lacked even that... - Shog9 04-09-2002 During last 10 years, with invention of VB and similar programming environments, every ill-educated moron became able to develop software. - Alex E. - 12-Sept-2002

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                                • H HomeNuke

                                  That actually brings up a good point. I find myself best as a nocturnal programmer. I do all my best coding at night and prefer to good at night. But this stinks because I find myself goofing off during the day so it becomes night, and then I have to do all my work at night so it is like I am putting in double shifts :( HomeNuke

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                                  Anders Molin
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #16

                                  I have the exact same "problem". ;) - Anders Money talks, but all mine ever says is "Goodbye!"

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                                  • H HomeNuke

                                    When coding how do you guys get into the zone? I was thinking about this last night when I was zoning on a piece of shareware I was about to release. Basically, in my computer room with the lights off, and one desk lamp on my monitor(s) with classical music playing on my computer with my Logitech speakers it was just thumping. I just had code coming to me that usually I would have to look up but I was able to just code through things. The entire code base came to me in an epiphany *Insert inspirational hymn here* Just curious if other programmers do something that gets them in the zone or if they just stare at the screen till inspiration hits, even then that is a method of "zoning" :) HomeNuke

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                                    Anders Molin
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #17

                                    Hmmm, let me see. Its best at night, no music, and some interesting code, then it just happens :) During the day, I have to force my self to start programming, but if the job is interesting, it usually just happens after some time :) - Anders Money talks, but all mine ever says is "Goodbye!"

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