What do you do if your programming tasks are overwhelming and you need to maximize productivity?

When faced with a complicated software task, I try to start with the end in mind. What would a working system look like and how would we know that it is working correctly? To get the ball rolling, start by brainstorming a list of informal requirements. Refine the list with stakeholders to clarify what really matters versus what is nice to have or unimportant. Next, determine how your solution will integrate with existing software systems. If you need to, examine source code and meet with other software engineers who can explain how existing systems work and the integration points. Once you clarify the requirements and integration points, in my experience the task list starts to write itself.

Breaking down tasks into smaller, more manageable subtasks is not just a strategy but a lifesaver for productivity. For instance, when I implemented a deep learning model for image recognition, I initially felt overwhelmed by the scope of the work. However, by breaking it down into smaller components like "fastai library review," "watching tutorials," "implementation of tutorials," and "final implementation," the project suddenly seemed less daunting. Each subtask became a mini-goal I could tackle one at a time, allowing me to maintain focus and momentum throughout the process. From personal experience, the effectiveness of breaking down tasks enhances productivity.

In the book “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, the author suggests that all tasks and habits can be broken down into minute-tasks. For example, in place of “Run a 5K today”, you can start with “lace up my trainers, fill up my water bottle, and head outside” These tinier-than-you-would-have-thought tasks can help you A. Calm your heart rate and stress for a second B. Break down your tasks repeatedly in a way that doesn’t make more planning (burning energy considering what break points make sense in your tasks)

In my opinion, leveraging the right tools in programming is like having a trusty set of power tools in a carpenter's workshop, which makes all the difference in the world. Take, for instance, my experience utilizing version control systems like Git. Initially, I was skeptical about its benefits, but once I integrated Git into my workflow, the advantages became crystal clear. With Git, I could easily track changes and collaborate with team members seamlessly. It acted as a safety net, allowing me to revert to previous code versions in case of mishaps.

1. Strive for code that reads almost like plain English. Follow the established coding conventions. 2. Don't settle for variable names like 'x' or 'temp2'. Use descriptive names that reflect the purpose of the variable, function, or class. 3. Comments are your chance to illuminate the logic behind your code. Don't just restate what the code does – explain the reasoning behind your choices. 4. Embrace refactoring, and don't be afraid to break down long functions, eliminate redundancy, and simplify complex logic. 5. Consider creating comprehensive documentation. This could include a high-level overview of your project, its features, external dependencies, and usage instructions.

My take - After you have created tasks and subtasks, plan them according to their priorities. If you are not sure about their priorities, then take a quick help. Work on the interfaces first to make sure the modules interacting with your modules have a clear expectation and talk and finalize the interfaces for the modules which are owned by other teams . Provide some default implementation of the interfaces so that other module owners can complete their task. Now start working on the module/ task which is going to be used the most or which is the core business logic. Keep on working and provide the real implementation of your interfaces... Smile at each step, you have done great. Do Unit and Integration testing, with a punch of automation