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Write Code Every Day

ejohn.org

161–170 of 221 posts

Re: Write Code Every Day

#162

I am a total convert to the "don't break the chain" idea. I started writing a book on game programming[1] about four years ago. At the time, I was working at EA, miserable, and highly motivated to have the book done so it could help pad my resume. I got a book deal (O'Reilly) then, when that fell through, another (Apress). I had a real writing schedule, and a very supportive wife, and I would work on it for hours at…

Your book is awesome, I was reading it a while back. Great stuff!

Re: Write Code Every Day

#163

Why is it so noble and healthy to be a workaholic if you are a Software Engineer?

I think your comment deserves many more replies. It is taken completely granted that this is the case. I don't think it is good at all but that is the mindset.

Writing code every day doesn't necessarily make you a workaholic. Working on code all day, every day might make you one though.

What John is doing is akin to what an artist would do to hone their skills. Practice. Every great singer practices often. Every master of a musical instrument. And for programmers, it's a similar thing - there's no substitute for writing code.

His approach is to write something meaningful every day, but it shouldn't be interpreted as 'let the code writing take over your life every day'

Re: Write Code Every Day

#164

I am a total convert to the "don't break the chain" idea. I started writing a book on game programming[1] about four years ago. At the time, I was working at EA, miserable, and highly motivated to have the book done so it could help pad my resume. I got a book deal (O'Reilly) then, when that fell through, another (Apress). I had a real writing schedule, and a very supportive wife, and I would work on it for hours at…

Did you work on Madden at EA (since you mention it in the intro)? If so I'd love to read more about the architecture of that. I've always wondered how offensive/defensive line interaction and AI worked -- among a million other things. And the book looks good!

Re: Write Code Every Day

#165
change = doing these things on time; not doing the things = staying the same; no change = same results as usual (Einstein Formula); change = change this second * all the seconds = different results = out of troubles

Re: Write Code Every Day

#166
I'm actually testing this strategy for competitive programming. Was very difficult to train for the ACM-ICPC when I was working as developer, but now that I only study in the University I solve at least a problem a day for maintain my streak in my Github in these are the results in some online judges for competitive competitions: http://community.topcoder.com/tc?module=MemberProfile&cr=227... http://codeforces.com/profile/jhtan It works!..

Re: Write Code Every Day

#167
Really? I'm so surprised to see so many "Awesome! Go for it" answers to this.

While I admire the dedication and focus it takes to stay up to such routine, I am certainly concerned by the quality of life and the narrow mindedness of enforcing upon oneself to code on a daily basis. What about days off? Going out friends / family for a weekend or holidays? One would suggest to bring your laptop so you can stick to it? This is madness to me...

I love to code, contribute to OS projects, do code for a leaving and for myself - but for nothing in the world I'd even attempt such thing.

Setting yourself with goals is great and required to some extend but on a proper schedule. Going to the gym 3 times a week can be achieved without being complexed by the fact you didn't go there every single day - and yet you can substantially improve yourself. I don't envy those buffy dudes that stick to it.

I'll stick to enjoying evenings with my wife, do code maybe 1 or 2 times during the week days, spend an extra day on more complex issues on the week end, and rest for the last day. Just saying.

Re: Write Code Every Day

#168
Related: for the first time in my 15-year programming career, I've spent the past year or so doing more engineering management than actual coding, and it has noticeably improved my programming ability.

Re: Write Code Every Day

#169
post #98

Earlier quoted context omitted.

[HabitRPG]( http://habitrpg.com ) is totally awesome for this, a great motivator. You can setup "Dailies" so that when you're done writing your daily 500 words, you just check it off. Or set it up as a habit and give yourself a "+" whenever you get a new chapter done. I use it all the time for just these purposes.

This is brilliant. Thanks! Are there any other similar apps out there?

I like the simplicity of chains.cc. The only downside is that there isn't an Android app.

https://chains.cc/

Re: Write Code Every Day

#170
Doing this helped me start my startup while working full time and eventually feel confident enough to quit my job and work full time on my startup
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