ever do that where you work on something until 3 in the morning, and then when you wake up, you figure it out in like 2 seconds?

do you think that working until 3am was necessary, like doing pushups or something, and then when you slept your brain grew? or do you think you should've just gone to sleep and would've figured it out easily without staying up until 3am?

haha - happens to me very often too. But then perhaps this is the way it is with coding. I mean you do not even realise time passing when you are wrestling with the issue at hand. Somehow I think the brain needs a rest or a break and only then clarity would dawn. But then again how would the brain rest or take a break if it was not overworked in the first place?
If you come up with an answer to this please post back.

Happens to me almost every time I'm coding. I frequently solve programming problems while sleeping, somehow even though I don't actually dream about programming.

Hi,

Happens all the time!

I always have a LAB book and pen next to the bed on a stand. That way I just jot a note or annotation with time stamp. You need to remember a LAB/Certified notebook will stand-up in a court of law. You must keep the integrity of such to have a valid presentation. No eraser or torn out pages. Mark through and post mark with initials for any corrections or changes. Integrity is important!

You should look at Edison's notes, only he could decipher. I try to place thought units and even diagrams to support. Sometimes the notes are a few works or snippets.

---------- Post added 12-31-11 at 16:47 ----------

This thread was reported to be moved to <General>. I will let it stand here!

yes, I go to SLEEP in the afternoons for this very reason!

btw, I saw your post at 2:48 AM (though I was only up surfing this site and others, not programming)

What exactly is a LAB book?

Hi,

A LAB book is bound with numbered pages used to record information. You can purchase these at most University Bookstores and quality book sellers. You keep the integrity of the book by not damaging/removing/tearing out pages. You note/annotate within. Corrections are made by strike through with initials. Entry is made with timestamps & initials for entry bodies. Since retiring, I now use spiral notebooks in the same way. You number all pages, allow no removal and perform in the same manner as a LAB notebook.

Somewhat like a diary but meant to be read by others. Integrity is important! LAB notebooks have been used for ages and sometimes used to support challenges, be it legally or collegial. Good habit if you wish to record and substantiate any findings or results. Plus can be used to refresh memories when you are attempting to reprove actions/thoughts.
HTH!

I often find myself coding for hours on end. I've pulled a couple of all-nighters and didn't have solutions until after I'd fallen asleep and came back to it with "fresh-eyes" the next day.

I suppose the next branch off discussion could be where are you able to get most of your thinking done at? Typically someplace relaxing I should think. It may sound strange but I find it easier to think while I'm taking a shower. Something about piping-hot water I suppose.

I've been trying starting this week to stay awake all day, but I'm finding in the afternoon, I'm just not getting anything done. It may take a period of adjustment, though. I was trying to change my schedule like a 'normal' person, but that might not be the best thing.

That's funny - it was just last week where I couldn't figure out something, but had to go to the bathroom, and had a realization of how to fix the problem while I was going.

Hi,

At one point in my life many years ago, the burning of the candle at both ends was the norm. I would power nap 30 minutes periods when rest was needed and generally got 4-6 hours of sleep sessions per period either night/day. That did take a toll on my health, personal life but I was younger.

Now there is no need to push to achieve any longer. I get 7-8 hours of sleep at night. Still do some coding and whatever I really want to do without too much effort. No research driven hours but do some experimenting on my own time at my leisure.

Sometimes when I find something interesting then work or diagnose periods can run into the wee hours but not the norm any longer. Just interest driven!

My LQ time is scheduled to coincide so as not to interfere with my farm or animals. Balance is important so production can be achieved without damage to one self.

“Theory is when you know all and nothing works. Practice is when all works and nobody knows why. In this case we have put together theory and practice: nothing works... and nobody knows why!” - Albert Einstein