Developing instincts and "subconscious debugging" [closed]

Posted by ggambett on Programmers See other posts from Programmers or by ggambett
Published on 2011-02-15T19:21:05Z Indexed on 2011/02/15 23:34 UTC
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debugging

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syntax

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code-smell

For some time now (a couple of years, perhaps?) I've noticed something that happens when I'm writing code.

I write something with a syntax error, or some other subtle error. I don't really notice it on a conscious level, but I have a weird feeling about what I just wrote. I then try to compile it and I get a warning or error on the line that provoked the feeling.

Lately I've been trying to pay attention to these feelings as they happen, and more often than not, I find errors right there. It's like I'm developing a subconscious debugger (or at least subconscious syntax checking ;))

I've heard of people fixing bugs in their sleep (I did a couple of times), but I don't think I've heard this kind of thing. Does it happen to someone else?

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