Ask HN: What is your best concentration aid while programming? • Hacker News Board

Re: Ask HN: What is your best concentration aid while programming?

#11

Post by anujkk » Thu, Nov 24, 2011, 6:26 PM UTC

I like to listen violin music or any other soft slow instrumental music. It keeps me relaxed and focused. For example, this one

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EQ6eHeBrhM

Re: Ask HN: What is your best concentration aid while programming?

#12

Post by smtlaissezfaire » Thu, Nov 24, 2011, 6:58 PM UTC

Usually several factors go into being focused (not necessarily ranked in order):

* Determination. How much do I care about this feature / bug fix?

* Long blocks of quiet. No distractions. This is usually why late at night works really well for me (no interruptions for meals, no emails, etc).

* Interesting factor. Doing drudge work is highly unmotivating. Using a new technology or building something I consider cool (say, a compiler) is tons of fun and I can't rip myself away from it.

Re: Ask HN: What is your best concentration aid while programming?

#13

Post by smtlaissezfaire » Thu, Nov 24, 2011, 6:59 PM UTC

smtlaissezfaire wrote: post #12

Usually several factors go into being focused (not necessarily ranked in order): * Determination. How much do I care about this feature / bug fix? * Long blocks of quiet. No distractions. This is usually why late at night works really well for me (no interruptions for meals, no emails, etc). * Interesting factor. Doing drudge work is highly unmotivating. Using a new technology or building something I consider cool (s…

Also, forgot to mention sleep. Being well rested always helps - the opposite, being quite tired - leads me to have a hard time focusing.

Re: Ask HN: What is your best concentration aid while programming?

#14

Post by saliksyed10 » Thu, Nov 24, 2011, 7:19 PM UTC

deadmau5 4x4=12 continuous mix

Re: Ask HN: What is your best concentration aid while programming?

#15

Post by swalkergibson » Thu, Nov 24, 2011, 7:19 PM UTC

Classical music has, in my view, created the most productive 3 weeks I have ever experienced. Check out the Mozart channel on Pandora. Check and mate.

Re: Ask HN: What is your best concentration aid while programming?

#16

Post by koof » Thu, Nov 24, 2011, 7:37 PM UTC

Considering "music" is always one of the most common answers to this question, and undoubtedly something you've tried before, you might also want to consider "no music". Time and time again I've realized how much I get invested in whatever I'm listening to, want to switch tracks, which makes me open up my browser/Spotify, makes me want to research new music, I end up on Facebook... It's best for me to just turn it all off. You may want to try doing the same, if music has been the norm for you.

Re: Ask HN: What is your best concentration aid while programming?

#17

Post by tuxidomasx » Thu, Nov 24, 2011, 9:08 PM UTC

A nice sativa and a chill environment.

Re: Ask HN: What is your best concentration aid while programming?

#18

Post by mapster » Thu, Nov 24, 2011, 10:26 PM UTC

I play a rave song, on repeat. that keeps me in the zone for 3 hrs.

Re: Ask HN: What is your best concentration aid while programming?

#19

Post by genieyclo » Thu, Nov 24, 2011, 10:35 PM UTC

Kashiwa Daisuke's april.#02 track from the april.#02 album. Half an hour of background music to help you accomplish and focus a lot.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEAEmwBbMT8

Re: Ask HN: What is your best concentration aid while programming?

#20

Post by wackfordjf3 » Fri, Nov 25, 2011, 6:08 AM UTC

I use the Pomodoro Technique through this website: http://tomatoi.st/ 25 min of work, 5 min short break, 25 min of work, 5 min short break, 25 min of work, 5 min short break, 25 min of work, 15 min long break. rinse repeat