Is it age - or is it me

Ronnie Sullivan · Aug 18, 2017

How long can you solidly program for.
Lets say; the panel is built, it's been powered up and tested and now it's just waiting for the program.
I'm 60 now and find that after a few hours solid programming - my mind goes.
I make mistakes and lose my train of thought.
That's when I have to stop and take a walk or go do another job.

I would guess 4 hours at a time is a maximum before the synapses wont transmit to each other anymore

BobB · Aug 18, 2017

Lot longer than that - now 73 - can manage all day - have to go for a walk when thinking about really difficult things though - have always had to do that. Then wake up in the middle of the night with a solution to a difficult problem - sub conscious working - always have a pad an pen on the bedside table.

JohnCalderwood · Aug 18, 2017

I guess it depends on the task in hand...

Health specialists say that we should take a 5 minute break every hour we spend at a computer.

I find working on my laptop is harder as I need to concentrate more with the wee keyboard and screen, but then I was programming a SCADA yesterday afternoon with a proper PC. Found the 32" screen a bonus as I could magnify the resolution to be more comfortable!

Sometimes it is not possible to program for too long - I was working on a devicenet data mapping issue last week and ignored my phones ringing, but eventually the pest that phoned me 6 times, came over to find me, saying "I know you are busy, but..." so that was my train of thought lost - that is more infuriating. No place to hide from production wallahs...!

Dirt · Aug 18, 2017

JohnCalderwood said:
I guess it depends on the task in hand...

Health specialists say that we should take a 5 minute break every hour we spend at a computer.

This works like a charm for me. Before I did this it was really troublesome to sit a whole day coding. I get more done in shorter time to.

spaderkung · Aug 18, 2017

The contradiction in effective working is that, at least my mind, uses tasks run in the background that are disturbed by other thoughts. Some problems are solved the next day just because it is the next day. Or after a run. Or after the lunch beer.

geniusintraining · Aug 18, 2017

Ronnie,

You are much better than I.... if I can go 1hr I am doing good, it maybe the coffee but I cant sit that long and look at the screen, I will be 51 next month but I have been this way as long as I can remember, I guess thats one reason I never tried the full time programmer side of automation, I will stick to troubleshooting side

How about if you have two projects going on at the same time? then you can build for a bit and then switch to programing for awhile... once you start to 'zone out' switch back to the other? not sure if thats possible for you but its worked for me in the past

Ronnie Sullivan · Aug 18, 2017

We are all different creatures eh. As other have said - the walk / run /coffee / sleep etc, solves more problems than staring at logic screens.
Bob can go all day..... programming that is

That's some feat at 73
Keeps alzheimer's away too no doubt.

Just had a morning session programming (at home) - now for a walk with the dog.
And seeing as it's Friday... probably no afternoon session.

John Morris · Aug 18, 2017

+1 Ronnie

Just turned 52, Three hours is my limit, then I need a break

Tom Jenkins · Aug 18, 2017

I'm not sure it is age (66 for me) as much as it is motivation. I don't seem t concentrate on any task as well as I did years ago. Then the mortgage and groceries for the kids was riding on it. Now it is professional pride that motivates, but that isn't as urgent. So now, when I hit a block, I'm more inclined to knock off for a few minutes and take a break.

One thing I have noticed over the years, then and now, is that the programming part of my brain does better in the late afternoon, evening, and at night. I don't know if it's quieter, circadian rhythms, or what.

dwoodlock · Aug 18, 2017

BobB said:
Then wake up in the middle of the night with a solution to a difficult problem - sub conscious working

This is probably my number one solution when I run into something difficult. No matter what platform I'm programming, at some point I'll inevitably get stuck on something. I will usually work on other things until the end of the day, and when I wake up the next morning I will know what to do, or at least have an idea.

Epy · Aug 18, 2017

Bob, all day at 73? You're a machine!

I hope I can hold up as good as all of you as I pass the years. I can only do about the same as genius, 1 hour, then need about a 10 minute break.

Steve Etter · Aug 18, 2017

At 56, I find it has more to do with how interesting and then how well I thoroughly understand how to accomplish the task. When it's boring/repetitive or less-than straight-forward, I have to take frequent breaks. Otherwise I can generally go on for several hours or even all day.

Also, like Tom, I find later in the day is when I can really get into it. It wasn't always like that...

NetNathan · Aug 18, 2017

BobB said:
Lot longer than that - now 73 - can manage all day - have to go for a walk when thinking about really difficult things though - have always had to do that. Then wake up in the middle of the night with a solution to a difficult problem - sub conscious working - always have a pad an pen on the bedside table.

Same here at 65...
Except I use my phone for my pad and pen...
And as Tom said....in the evening and night... My mind is running in high gear.
Of course...I am NOT a morning person...more of a night owl.

Steve Bailey · Aug 18, 2017

At 67 and mostly retired, I find it harder to maintain focus for more than a couple of hours, especially if the task involves a lot of cut & paste or other mindlessness. I can stay focused longer when the task is more challenging.
Like Tom, I know I'm better at mentally challenging tasks at certain times of the day, although my times are different than his. I've learned the value of letting my subconscious take over when I get stuck. I've also learned the value of taking a break when I can't stay on task.

Rube · Aug 18, 2017

I typically have a five minute "do something else" break from programming or panel building, which often takes on a 10 hr day. I have to move or my 56 year old knees start to remind me of my stillness.

Is it age - or is it me

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