in reply to Re^2: Is there an is_deeply() outside of Test::More?
in thread Is there an is_deeply() outside of Test::More?

It has a couple names, including Rubber duck debugging.

I force a co-worker to listen, preferably one not working on my project. Or my wife. Or my neighbour. Or whoever is nearby. Simply because they can ask questions. In almost all cases, when starting to explaining the problem did not help, the problem is a little detail that I did not explained well enough, simply because I did not understand it well enough, or because I misread that detail.

Another trick that really helps me is to stop working on the problem. Lock the computer, leave the room or even the building. Take a short walk (5 min). Think about something completely different. Go through your shopping list, watch the stupid dog next door freaking out, or use the restroom. Whatever helps to get your brain out of "job mode" and to get some unrelated input. Go back to the computer and rethink your problem.

Alexander

--
Today I will gladly share my knowledge and experience, for there are no sweeter words than "I told you so". ;-)
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Re^4: Is there an is_deeply() outside of Test::More?
by stevieb (Canon) on Aug 15, 2015 at 17:24 UTC

    At work, I now code in Python. In my previous job, I was a Network Engineer. Both require extreme concentration while being able to see the big picture while working on numerous details and project parts simultaneously. I've always been one to take frequent short walks to reset my thinking, then when I get back to it, I've got a different mentality. It allows me to take a step back to the bigger picture again and see things in a new light.

    When it's raining and I'm at home coding on my own projects like today, I get up, play a bit of PS3 and have a beer, then come back to it.

    I'll even blabber to my girlfriend who looks at me dumbfounded, then she's surprised when I say "holy crap, I think I just figured it out!".

      Yes. It's not necessary, or even very helpful, that the person you're talking to know the subject, as this forces you to think about your explanation in a different way. Which is often what helps me.