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The best programmers I know

(endler.dev)
628 points kiyanwang | 7 comments | 09 Apr 25 06:02 UTC | HN request time: 0.619s | source | bottom
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epolanski ◴[09 Apr 25 09:02 UTC] No.43630228[source]▶
I want to add another one, ability to handle emotions (mentioned but mostly in terms of patience) and ability to stay focused.

Two programmers that start with similar levels at the thing that OP listed, but one able to stay focused and productive and the other jumping on YouTube, HN half the day (yes, that's me in many periods) etc are gonna have different impact and progression with time.

replies(2): >>43631052 #>>43631295 #
1. irishloop ◴[09 Apr 25 11:44 UTC] No.43631052[source]▶
Do you think there's a way to train focus?
replies(6): >>43631320 #>>43631329 #>>43632271 #>>43633016 #>>43633302 #>>43635387 #
2. ◴[09 Apr 25 12:30 UTC] No.43631320[source]▶
3. criddell ◴[09 Apr 25 12:31 UTC] No.43631329[source]▶
You can lose your concentration skills by not using them. I would expect the reverse is true as well.
4. udev4096 ◴[09 Apr 25 14:03 UTC] No.43632271[source]▶
No and it's pointless to force yourself to focus. If it's not natural, it's not worth it. Do things for fun and stop taking yourself too seriously
5. epolanski ◴[09 Apr 25 15:08 UTC] No.43633016[source]▶
For me what has helped is to realize the triggers that make me distracted which is why I emphasized the emotional part.

I tend to distract myself under stress/boredom e.g., when I realize this is happening I get back to working and resist the urge of distracting.

In time, you get better, you need to train it till it starts being more natural.

6. kaffekaka ◴[09 Apr 25 15:34 UTC] No.43633302[source]▶
Can't tell if you are being sarcastic, but yes of course there is.
7. rhubarbtree ◴[09 Apr 25 18:14 UTC] No.43635387[source]▶
I did pomodoros for years to recover my productivity after time in academia.

Now I’m the most focused person in the office. But it took a very very long time.