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Why Programming Rituals Work

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the still-waiting-for-the-stars-to-align-to-write-my-super-code dept.

narramissic writes "Programmers may not think that their rituals are unusual, but if you swear that your code is less buggy if you recite it aloud or you prepare for coding by listening to certain music, don't be surprised if you get a couple sideways glances. In a recent ITworld article, Issac Kelly, Lead Developer at Servee.com, explains his routine and why it works: 'To me, programming is really the 'last mile' to getting something done. When I do the planning and specifications, I go on lots of walks, take lots of time with my wife, and really do as little work in front of the computer as possible. The more I plan (in my head, on paper, on a whiteboard) the less I program; and all of my rituals are to that end.' His ritual goes like this: 'Before sitting down to a coding session, he gets a big glass of water, takes everything off of his desk, and closes out all programs and e-mail, keeping open only his code editor. The office door is shut, and some sort of music is playing ('typically an instrumental only, like my 'Explosions in the Sky' pandora station,' says Kelly).'"

6 of 233 comments (clear)

  1. AAAAAnd by Profane+MuthaFucka · · Score: 5, Funny

    There's Slashdot. Even when I do everything else, Slashdot is the final work-preventer.

    --
    Fascism trolls keeping me up every night. When I starts a preachin', he HITS ME WITH HIS REICH!
  2. My rituals (in order, of course): by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

          1. Make a cup of coffee: Community New Orleans blend, one sugar, hazelnut creamer.
          2. Read reddit.
          3. Check social status sites: facebook, twitter, etc.
          4. Read CNN.
          5. Read email.
          6. Catch up with coworkers.
          7. Juggle a bit.
          8. Put on headphones. Go to last.fm and hunt for a station that fits my current mood.
          9. Check reddit again.
        10. Go to lunch.
        11. Read email.
        12. Check reddit again.
        13. Update to-do list.
        14. Check icanhazcheezburger, etc.
        15. Pick different last.fm station.

  3. Not a ritual! by eggfoolr · · Score: 5, Funny

    Crikey! That's just sensible work organisation. I guess if you find something that works and always do it that way you might call it a ritual. My ritual is to get in the car and go to work every morning... that way I can do, well you know... WORK!

  4. Re:"Doing nothing" is not nothing... by Chabo · · Score: 5, Funny

    Posting this for the second time in the past week, because it's apt:

    Could you grimace so I know you're working?

    --
    Convert FLACs to a portable format with FlacSquisher
  5. WTF by Godji · · Score: 5, Funny

    he gets a big glass of water, takes everything off

    I stopped reading right there.

  6. Re:I can completely understand... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Actually, considering his orientation

    He's Asian?