I very rarely keep any code I write after 4pm.
Code I write after 4pm tends to be:
- of low quality
- riddled with mistakes
- and generally more trouble than it’s worth
I am a morning person, and I often start working at 6:30 – 7:00am.
By 4pm, my brain just doesn’t click like it does first thing in the morning.
I’m not saying there is anything magical about 4pm. 4pm just happens to be the point where my quality of work plummets and I tend to reserve that time for non brain intensive activities (like meetings).
Find your expiry date for the day, and listen to your gut.
If you feel like you are writing bad code, you probably are.
Don’t be afraid to let it go and start again with a clean slate tomorrow.
June 29, 2008 at 5:54 pm |
This sound like a good rule, I have another: If ever I’m feeling like reverting would be painful I steel myself to revert or commit within 5 minutes.
June 30, 2008 at 3:13 pm |
I agree Stacy. I don’t think many people revert or toss code half as much as they should.
Sometimes it’s easier just to clear the slate and start again.
Thx for sharing.
September 29, 2008 at 5:05 pm |
Your post came up on a search for: “throw away code”.
I like your idea! I also noticed that a lot of my code created on Friday is never as brilliant come Monday morning!
September 30, 2008 at 12:46 pm |
Amen to Monday mornings over Friday afternoons!
June 25, 2010 at 9:13 pm |
[...] am still a big believer in throwing away code after 4pm (or whatever time of day you stop being [...]