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 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!