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... you find a match to your elusive search and it's turns out to be someone saying "We won't do your homework." (Although I use that as a clue that it's time to switch from specific to general or hit MSDN. )
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Heh, what's been frustrating for me is running across all of those leech sites that harvest content from Stack Overflow. So I think I need to go in the other direction from the general to the specific, i.e. search Code Project, Stack Overflow, MSDN, etc. directly instead of relying on a general google search.
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Stanford: I think James is saying about General Information vs Getting Specific answer to the problem as given in the polls option and not about Google Search vs CP/SO etc.
Leslie Sanford wrote: search Code Project, Stack Overflow, MSDN, etc. directly instead of relying on a general google search.
I too agree with this.
*** RAJEEV ***
Founder, PageMoon (cool homepage)
www.PageMoon.com
modified on Tuesday, June 14, 2011 6:41 PM
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The pattern is usually work on the problem fanatically until I decide to go home.
Then, when I come in in the next morning it all seems to work out.
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein | "As far as we know, our computer has never had an undetected error." - Weisert | "If you are searching for perfection in others, then you seek disappointment. If you are seek perfection in yourself, then you will find failure." - Balboos HaGadol Mar 2010 |
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Maybe you should try going home earlier?
Every man can tell how many goats or sheep he possesses, but not how many friends.
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Actually, I almost added to the post the idea of napping at my desk.
Since it would actually improve productivity, I would naturally be expected to be well paid for the time.
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein | "As far as we know, our computer has never had an undetected error." - Weisert | "If you are searching for perfection in others, then you seek disappointment. If you are seek perfection in yourself, then you will find failure." - Balboos HaGadol Mar 2010 |
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Yeah haha I know that one!!!!
While my Code might compile, it is just Pseudocode for illustration purpose. Please use your brain when adapting it for your needs!
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Rating always..... WELCOME
The only reason people get lost in thought is because it's unfamiliar territory.
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You all know damn well that when you are in a pinch you are looking on the net for the EXACT answer to your problem. You are not looking for some general bullshit or philosophy on you programming issue. You need answers and you need them now. You can do your code meditation later.
--
** Jack of all trades and master of none.
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Well put. Of course I would only do that if I really want to solve the problem - otherwise I would probably go with the book, the philosphy or just space out.
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I actually thought before answering about whether I do a general search first, but decided to be honest and admit that, 9 times out 10, I start with a cut&paste of the exact error message I'm getting!
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Yep. Exact answer search comes first, then usually more general search.
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That sounds fine for error messages however How does one search for an exact answer to a design question?
John
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John M. Drescher wrote: How does one search for an exact answer to a design question?
I'm afraid you're on your own for this one.
--
** Jack of all trades and master of none.
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Slacker007 wrote:
I'm afraid you're on your own for this one.
And that is the reason I voted "Search online for more general background information on your issue". If it was just error messages/crash ... I would have picked "Search online for the exact answer to your problem"
John
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I search for exact to almost exact answers for things other than errors and/or crashes. When I have to have something delivered yesterday, it sometimes is helpful if someone already found the answer...why re-invent the wheel.
I do a lot of my actual learning of new technologies and concepts at home with a cup of coffee in a relaxed atmosphere.
--
** Jack of all trades and master of none.
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True. But I don't consider myself stuck until the search for the exact answer failed. The first thing I do ONCE I am stuck is search for general bullsh*t and don't you call me a liar!
I was HollyHooo but got tired of it and Sebastien was taken.
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RC_Sebastien_C wrote: and don't you call me a liar!
I wouldn't think of it.
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Slacker007 wrote: I wouldn't think of it.
LIAR!
I was HollyHooo but got tired of it and Sebastien was taken.
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I know you are but what am I?
Sorry, I couldn't resist.
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A specific item search is generally done at the start, before I realize I'm stuck. Why even try and figure it out if the code already exists to be copy/pasted?
3x12=36
2x12=24
1x12=12
0x12=18
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Generally true. When I look online for the answer to a programming question, it's usually to resolve a specific issue: "why does X do A rather than B?".
The only time in recent memory I looked for the answer to a design issue was when I wanted to use a specific approach to a problem, and there are several closely-related variants (model-view-controller).
Software Zen: delete this;
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Because 99% of the time it would be them causing the problem
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I find talking about the problem forces you to reorganize your ideas in a simple way that often leads to solution. The person you talk to does not have to have experience with the problem. The scenerio is like a psychologist/patient relationship. The psychologist (your friend) will lead you to the solution - they don't even have to understand the technology.
This technique often works for me.
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I call this: talking to a lamppost. If you can explain your problem to a lamppost, you wil usually find the answer. This has inspired two collegues of me to actually place a miniature lamppost on their (combined) desk . If it is lit, one is using the other as a 'dummy' to explain his problem to.
Paul Klomp
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