Getting in the zone

[JSoftware]

What techniques do you utilize to get in the zone when programming?

I haven't been experiencing it alot lately. I've tried it several times in the past but I don't know how it happened

[VilleK]

First make sure I've done enough planning so that I know what to do. I usually make some design notes a couple of days before starting to actually type code.

Then: sufficient amount of caffeine :wink: and some good music in earphones. The music should not be too attention grabbing, rather something I've listened to many times before and still enjoy.

When all goes right I can be extremely productive for 2-3 hours. I normally quit after that, because I know from earlier experiences that I tend to introduce bugs or make badly thought through changes if I push it further.

That's the recipe that works for me!