How does HN deal with programmer's block?

2 points by retbull ↗ HN
I have seen guides for defeating writer's block but I don't know how to deal with programmer's blocks. Any good suggestions?

4 comments

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Assuming you mean the inability to solve a provlem...Play a few games of ping pong. Walk around outside. Talk with another coworker about the problem, from start to finish and have them question all your assumptions.
I prefer to pull out my sketchbook and try to visualize/diagram the problem/challenge in (sometimes) several ways.. This always helps me get a new perspective on it.. And get some cool doodles in which is always fun.
Depends on why you're feeling blocked. Is it because you don't know what to do next or because you just aren't enjoying writing that program?

Pair programming can help with both. When you have the social pressure of someone sitting next to you, you can build up momentum that you can hang onto even after you're back to programming alone.