Solving Problems

Read the problem completely twice.

• Most important step( repeat 2-3 times if necessary.

Solve the problem manually with 3 sets of sample data.

• This can be done mathematically or visually, be aware for edge cases

Optimize the manual steps.

• look for ways to simplify, like using a loop..

Write the manual steps as comments or pseudo-code.

• In plain english write out your process without any syntax

Replace the comments or pseudo-code with real code.

• Line by line break it down further and translate it into code

Optimize the real code.

• Lastly pass over your and make any final refactoring or optimizing

Pretend Your Time is Worth $1,000

• Many people under value there time
• Being busy does not translate to successful
• Prioritize things in your life that take time to maximize your potential
• Time will continue to pass, it does not wait for you
• The higher your value, the more and productive you will be

How to think like a programmer

• Have a framework

Understand

• If you can explain the problem in plain english then you understand what is being asked

Plan

• Take the time to plan your approach, Write down steps

Divide

• Break the main problem down into sub problems

Stuck?

• Debug - go line by line through code
• take a step back and try to think differently about your solution
• Try googling and using online resources

Practice

• Practice solutions as regular as possible

Five Whys and Five Hows

-By Ron Bialek, Grace L. Duffy, and John W. Moran

What It Is

-The five whys and five hows constitute a questioning process designed to drill down into the details of a problem or a solution and peel away the layers of symptoms. -The technique was originally developed by Sakichi Toyoda. He states “that by repeating why five times, the nature of the problem as well as its solution becomes clear.” -The five whys are used for drilling down into a problem and the five hows are used to develop the details of a solution to a problem. -Both are designed to bring clarity and refinement to a problem statement or a potential solution and get to the root cause or root solution.

When to Use It

• When we want to push a team investigating a problem to delve into more details of the root causes, the five whys can be used with brainstorming or the cause-and-effect diagram.
• The five hows can be used with brainstorming and the solution-and-effect diagram to develop more details of a solution to a problem under consideration.
• Both methods are techniques to expand the horizon of a team searching for answers. These two techniques force a team to develop a better and more detailed understanding of a problem or solution.

How to Use It

• Draw a box at the top of a piece of flip chart paper and clearly write down the problem or solution to be explored.
• Below the statement box draw five lines in descending order.
• Ask the “Why” or “How” question five times and write the answers on the lines drawn from number one to five.