Articles - Blue Dino Code

Getting Over the Hump

Even programming virtuosos get stuck sometimes. Maybe there's a daunting piece of code that needs to be written (or rewritten!). Sometimes other parts of life distract you and you don't know how to get back in the swing. Perhaps your motivation has dwindled, but you know you have to get the product out the door. That's what this article is about. Truthfully, it's just as useful to me as it may be to you. If you have any other tips, please pass them by me.

Here are some suggestions to try if you're in a rut. This is written with a lean toward game development, but these tips could apply to other projects and even to things outside of programming.

* Draw up more design
    This is probably the first thing you should try. Write up a detailed description of what exactly you need to do. If your path is clear, then you literally have no obstacles for proceeding. Try drawing up a flow chart or web diagram of your problem. This might not help as much with motivation problems, but it is still very useful.

* Write comments
    If you're stuck on something, try adding more comments. It has the dual purpose of making your project nicer while also causing you to think about it some more. Even adding comments in places unrelated to your current rut will help in the long run.

* Get some exercise
    Oh, I know, I just used the 'E' word. Well, at least go for a walk. When your blood gets pumping, your brain works faster. That's why Scrooge McDuck had a worn-out path around his thinking fountain (if I recall correctly).

* Create some concept art
    Making some purdy pictures of your game can get your motivation up and get you thinking about your tasks in a cleaner way.

* Refactor the structure
    If your code is a bit clumsy, you can get inspiration from cleaning it up. Work it into a nicer structure that is easier to comprehend or has better organization.

* Remove dead code and unreachable code
    Try to tidy up your codebase. Remove code that doesn't affect your game. Delete functions that aren't ever executed.

* Eat something
    Have you eaten lately? You need calories to think. Eat something that won't make you regret it later, though. Try raw veggies with dip or granola.

* Go to sleep
    Nothing is better for creativity than those moments immediately before and after sleep. Sometimes, problems are solved even during sleep! It could help to take a break and get back to work with a clear head.

* Work on another project
    Distracting yourself from your problem doesn't normally solve it, but at least you can be productive in your distraction (see things not to do, below). Try working on something else for a while. Your problem will call you back when you're ready to solve it.

* Talk to someone
    Even if the someone doesn't understand what you're talking about, putting things into words can make it clearer for you. If the person you talk to does understand, that's even better. You can get constructive input on how to fix things. When other people get excited about your work, that does wonders for your motivation (of course, you have to make it exciting somehow).

Things you shouldn't do!

* Browse the internet
    It will distract you, and that's not really a good thing. The internet is a boon and a bane. Be careful! Don't let research turn into recreation!

Here's hoping you get back on track,
Jonny D