TomDLux++

This method has worked for me and my co-workers several times. It worked so good that we used the term "Oma-Problem" (granny problem) for it, "Ich brauche eine Oma" (I need a granny) became a common phrase when one of us needed a helper that listened while that one explained the problem in terms often simple enough for a granny.

It works because it forces you to re-think the entire problem while explaining it. It works better if you have can make a co-worker listen to you.

The method takes less time if the co-worker has some programming knowledge so that you don't have to explain programming basics. Ideally, (s)he can ask qualified questions about your problem. "Why do you ...", "are you sure that ...", and "what happens if ..." are really good questions.

Talking to a secretary, the janitor or even your husband or your parents also works. It sometimes has the advantage that you have to explain really everything and in really simple terms, but it takes much more time. Still, it may be faster than classic debugging.

Alexander