As threads in the Programming forum differ from threads in other forums, here are some tips on what to include in a post.

1) Make sure to include in the title and/or post what programming language(s) you are dealing with.

2) Include a clearly worded description of the problem with some details, NOT just "it doesn't work".

3) Include an attempt at solving the problem, in code tags.

4) Include examples of desired input and output, also in code tags.

5) Include errors that you are getting, also in code tags.

Code tags are part of the BBcode markup language. They start with [code] and end with [/code]. They will look like:
and your code will be much easier to read.
So again:
[code]
your code goes here
[/code]

An example:
Here's without the tags:
#include <stdio.h>

int main (void)
{
printf ("Hello World\n");
return 0;
}
Which is easier to read ?
In Python, where indentation matters, nobody can run your code if it is not in code tags.

You can also access code tags by clicking the '#' button right above the text input box when you are typing a post (not yet available in Quick Reply mode, but the tags work).

6) Do NOT expect members here to do your homework for you. Do NOT just post the problem (#2), leave, and expect someone to post the solution by the time you return. Members here are discouraged from doing this, as it doesn't help anyone, and may even harm by preventing you from learning what you are supposed to learn. However, posting all of the above information (#1 through #5) will get you some help if you are having trouble.

I think that this thread is very useful on this forum, so it a sticky one now.

H_TeXMeX_H, thank's for posting this long overdue sticky

I would like to add that 'clearly worded' almost never includes the phrase "doesn't work". We all assume it doesn't work, otherwise why would you be asking? Details about the nature of the fault are required.
--- rod.

Alright, I added that.

I am not quite sure if we should encourage the usage of php-tags for code, it may be difficult or even impossible to read that code for color-blind people.

That's not true. Color-blind people have difficulty distinguishing between colors. It's not that certain colors are invisible to them, they just don't look the same.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_blind

If there were any concern, it would be about the background color, which could hide the letters in some people. And that varies from post to post, so it's more complicated.

A more pertinent concern would be that sometimes the php code causes formatting errors and the post may expand off the screen.

I do know how color-blindness works. My point was not that for color-blind people certain colors are invisible, but that those color possibly are not differentiable from the background, making them effectively invisible in the code. So possibly monochrome code-boxes are easier to read for them. Since I am not color-blind it is impossible for me to determine that, that is why I said: I am not quite sure.

Alright, fine, I'll take the PHP out.

Thanks.

I have a long post, since I cannot use some of the data as an attachment, I'll have to paste the total output in-
And repeat that... lots of info to post
Do you mind long posts with much info to go through?

would be nice to read the thread you started to hide. Please open a new thread instead.

It depends on the info, but in general, the shortest description necessary to describe your specific problem, the better. Asking members to review and understand a large code base to answer a question is not an acceptable use. Try to keep your question specific to a single issue and avoid broad generalities.

Remember that everyone here volunteers their time, so you help yourself by keeping your posts clear and brief and easily understood by those willing to help. When confronted with a confusing wall of text, many members will simply move on to another question.

Please review the Site FAQ for guidance on acceptable forum use, an in particular read the linked article, How To Ask Questions The Smart Way for guidance forming your questions.

Good luck, and welcome to LQ!

3 members found this post helpful.