1. Were blocked on a simple problem:
- What was the problem?
- What problem-solving techniques did you use?
- How did you feel throughout the process?
- What did you learn?
I wrote a function where there was a return command inside the function. It was soon followed by a console.log(function()). When my output was produced, the result was doubled.
I first checked the error messages which told me the result was doubled. I started playing around with my code to fix the issue with no avail. I then went to google to check where I made a mistake but I still couldn't figure it out. As a result, I ended up asking my facilitator's help.
As with any problem, I was determined to find out what went wrong. When I was consuming too much time, I knew I needed someone's help. And when that help solved the issue, I felt very stupid finding out the issue was so minor.
I learned that I should take my time studying the root cause of the problem. I am too focused at times to concentrate on my coding that I overlook simple things. The error message that my result was doubled should have been enough hint for me to resolve the issue. Although it was a good reminder for me on how I should be approaching problems.
2. Elegantly solved a problem.
- What was the problem?
- What problem-solving techniques did you use?
- How did you feel throughout the process?
- What did you learn?
I had to take a string then make the first letter of every word capitalized.
I mostly used google research. I looked for the solution to the problem and ended up learning new methods. This was followed by intensive trial and error. I had to experiment for the code to work.
At first I was overwhelmed. So many links will show you how to do it but sometimes it just gets more confusing when you have multiple sources. To add to this, I had to research further because new methods were coming up. It did feel good when I was able to peice them all together.
I learned that it is through the undertaking of helping yourself you learn most. I also learned that with enough time, I will almost always find a solution. Unfortuantely, time is always limited. However, the learning process is irreplaceable.
3. Reflect on how confident you feel using each of these problem-solving techniques/processes:
- Pseudocode
- Trying something
- Rubber ducky method
- Reading error messages
- Console.logging
- Googling
- Asking your peers for help
- Asking coaches for help
- Improving your process with reflection
I am confident with the use of Pseudocode. I forget at times to use them though. During the Javascript Kata I didn't use them at all because the npm test was clearly stating the steps I had to take.
This is something I end up doing all the time. The endless trial and errors are my forte.
I mostly do this when I take a quick break from the computer. I talk to myself inside my head and try to see the problem in a different angle. Sometimes it helps and sometimes it doesn't but it gives me time to reflect on my approach.
I am not confident as much as I want to be but I am slowly understanding the messages now.
After my minor mistake mentioned earlier, I don't think I am that confident. I might be confusing it with the return command at times. I do know now that it depends on what the test is asking for. I just need to pay attention to what is expected.
Similar to trying something new, this is one of the things I feel confident with. Also, it takes up a lot of my time during tests.
When I am spending too much time trying to solve a problem even when using all the previous techniques, then yes I am confident to ask for help.
Same as asking my peers for help.
This I need to practice more. I need to do small constant changes as often as I can until it becomes second nature.
4. Reflect on a time you were reluctant to ask for help. Consider what made you reluctant to do so.
I am never reluctant to ask for help. However before I do, I always want to find out for myself first. I want to exhaust all other options and be independent if I can. I want to learn the logic more than anything while I research for the answer. If that doesn't work, asking for help is not a problem.