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Author Topic: What non-programming tools do you use for programming?  (Read 12268 times)

CodeTRUCKER

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What non-programming tools do you use for programming?
« on: December 11, 2006, 04:17 PM »
I was wondering what non-programming tools different folks use for programming?  Anything you use to help that is not your IDE or actual coding software is game.
Thanks!
« Last Edit: August 16, 2010, 10:49 AM by CodeTRUCKER »

Eóin

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Re: What non-programming tools do you use for programming?
« Reply #1 on: December 12, 2006, 07:45 AM »
Does a music player count ;) ?

Two very simple things I use is a window and a couch. Sometimes when you know what needs to be done, but not how to do you need to get away from the screen for a bit. I find either staring out a window, or lying down on my back with eyes closed is just what I need to clear my mind and get some proper thinking done.

mitzevo

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Re: What non-programming tools do you use for programming?
« Reply #2 on: December 12, 2006, 08:05 AM »
Yeah I remember learning mind maps in secondary school (or brain storming), lol.

I guess IRC would be a non-programming tool that I use for programming, possibly.. no actually a web browser too  :Thmbsup:
The clock is running. Make the most of today. Time waits for no man. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it is called the present.

hollowlife1987

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Re: What non-programming tools do you use for programming?
« Reply #3 on: December 12, 2006, 08:11 AM »
I use a notebook to map out my ideas for the program, and how objects in my program will interact with each other. (going to build a white board so i can easily change my ideas and stuff without wasting paper)

Also when i need to think I pace around my room.

Renegade

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Re: What non-programming tools do you use for programming?
« Reply #4 on: December 12, 2006, 09:52 AM »
What do I use when I'm programing... Hmmm... Let's see:

1) Beer
2) My bed
3) More beer
4) Books
5) Paper & pen/pencil/marker
6) Whiteboard
7) Even more beer
8 ) My bed again
9) Search engines
10) Whiskey if I don't have any more cold beer (need ice and sometimes coke - VERY RARE)

Well, that's a top 10 I suppose.

Did I mention beer?
Slow Down Music - Where I commit thought crimes...

Freedom is the right to be wrong, not the right to do wrong. - John Diefenbaker
« Last Edit: December 12, 2006, 10:25 AM by Renegade »

tinjaw

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Re: What non-programming tools do you use for programming?
« Reply #5 on: December 12, 2006, 10:14 AM »
Some of the apps I use when programming:
  • Irfanview
  • SnagIt
  • Dia

Veign

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Re: What non-programming tools do you use for programming?
« Reply #6 on: December 12, 2006, 10:33 AM »
My List:
Google - Cause I can always find what I need from Google.
emEditor - A nice interface makes coding that much easier.  Find myself doing tons of web dev out of emEditor.  When I'm not in there I'll be working out of PHPEdit.
Graph Paper - For some reason doodling on graph paper helps me think.
Note-It - Just a place I can float notes on top of what I'm doing.




app103

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Re: What non-programming tools do you use for programming?
« Reply #7 on: December 12, 2006, 10:39 AM »
I am trying to get away from pen & paper as much as possible, since the amount I can go through planning a project is enormous, costly, and not environmentally friendly.  :-[

I am opting more for Paintshop Pro and a software based sticky note board, along with ToDo lists and simple text files.

Then there is of course my browser, for research...

and various chat programs for when I get frustrated and need help or to just interact with another human to relieve stress.

Essential though, is a HUGE cup of tea and a pack of Djarums...I won't get anywhere without that.

and sometimes...bubblegum. http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/7087/smileybubblegumbj8an5.gif
What non-programming tools do you use for programming?

mouser

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Re: What non-programming tools do you use for programming?
« Reply #8 on: December 12, 2006, 03:58 PM »
Whiteboard, spiral notebook, 4 color pen.
M&M's.

Renegade

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Re: What non-programming tools do you use for programming?
« Reply #9 on: December 12, 2006, 04:07 PM »
Nobody else uses BASE tools? (Beer Assisted Software Engineering)   :o
Slow Down Music - Where I commit thought crimes...

Freedom is the right to be wrong, not the right to do wrong. - John Diefenbaker

Veign

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Re: What non-programming tools do you use for programming?
« Reply #10 on: December 12, 2006, 04:09 PM »
M&M's.

Peanut or Plain?

f0dder

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Re: What non-programming tools do you use for programming?
« Reply #11 on: December 12, 2006, 05:26 PM »
Veign: plain - that's what I use, anyway.

Sometimes pen and paper, for some reason getting away from the computer and not using a text editor helps. Got a (too small, but still nice) whiteboard too. A bunch of (physical) books on coding, as well as some ebooks. Google & MSDN.

And as Eóin, laying in bed or on a couch, or going for a stroll.
- carpe noctem

mouser

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Re: What non-programming tools do you use for programming?
« Reply #12 on: December 12, 2006, 05:35 PM »
Peanut or Plain?

the only way to go is buy two big bags and mix them.

Veign

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Re: What non-programming tools do you use for programming?
« Reply #13 on: December 12, 2006, 05:37 PM »
Im peanuts all the way.  That didn't sound right
« Last Edit: December 12, 2006, 05:40 PM by Veign »

Jammo the OrganizedFellow

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Re: What non-programming tools do you use for programming?
« Reply #14 on: December 12, 2006, 10:19 PM »
Im peanuts all the way.  That didn't sound right
LMAO
thanks for the laugh tonight.

i grab a pad & paper - although i love mindmapping with Mindjet Mindmanager, it's just much faster and intuitive to draw/write by hand.

2nd tool that is indespendible to webdevelopment/design, macromedia/adobe fireworks
As an aspiring web developer/designer, it is a constant struggle to cope with my ADHD + Hypomania/Bipolar Disorder.

The slow growth of my web dev projects is eclipsed by my patience, understanding and desire to learn AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE as I slowly progress.

X_____jamjammo_____

mouser

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Re: What non-programming tools do you use for programming?
« Reply #15 on: December 12, 2006, 10:38 PM »
for visualizing ideas i really do most often use paper - keep a notebook or two just for sketching ideas.
but a flowchart/diagramming tool can be really nice too.

jgpaiva

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Re: What non-programming tools do you use for programming?
« Reply #16 on: December 13, 2006, 04:25 AM »
Paper, definitelly.
I keep a huge pile of used paper got from old schoolwork, bad prints and such. I always use this paper to draw my ideas, mostly to keep me from forgetting stuff, which still happens quite frequently :(
I'd love to have a white board, but it has two problems: lack of portability (i often spend the weekend at my parents') and it takes too much space (if i want to have a decent one, i can't fit it in any wall :( )

app103

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Re: What non-programming tools do you use for programming?
« Reply #17 on: December 13, 2006, 06:16 AM »
M&M's.

Peanut or Plain?

you forgot about peanut butter, mint, and crispy

mint are my fav  :-*

peanut butter comes in 2nd.

app103

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Re: What non-programming tools do you use for programming?
« Reply #18 on: December 13, 2006, 06:27 AM »
I'd love to have a white board, but it has two problems: lack of portability (i often spend the weekend at my parents') and it takes too much space (if i want to have a decent one, i can't fit it in any wall :( )

Tightwadder's whiteboard:  white posterboard covered with clear packaging tape

This can be folded and taken with you.   :D

You can use the standard dry erase markers, or even better is high quality Crayola crayons (just buff off with a dry paper towel or cloth).

The crayon is less likely to smear, they don't dry out, and you can get a whole lot more colors for the same price as a good set of markers.

Now...if you find yourself drawing the same type of diagram over & over the same way, consider taking a black Sharpie and drawing a template for yourself on the posterboard before you cover it with the clear tape.

When my daughter was younger, I did one with a map of the US on it for her to use as a study tool.

Ruffnekk

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Re: What non-programming tools do you use for programming?
« Reply #19 on: December 13, 2006, 09:45 AM »
Besides the VS IDE I use a hex editor, VIM, Google, the MSDN library and pen & paper. Required accessoires on my desk are Twinkies®, coffee, an ashtray and a bunch of cigarettes  :Thmbsup: That's about all I need to code away :)
Regards,
RuffNekk

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Dr-Leech

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Re: What non-programming tools do you use for programming?
« Reply #20 on: December 23, 2006, 10:44 PM »
I use some IMs, Skype and a feed reader (oh, big time waster, damnit)