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Bit off more than I can chew...

Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 10:09 pm
by Ambush Commander
With all the design concepts and other dross floating around in my head, I've become completely paralyzed on what to do next.

On one hand, I want to do something and I want to do it right. On the other hand, I don't know what this "right" is.

I want to use controllers, but I don't really know what they are. Right now, I have a bunch of cobbled together pages. I *could* move them into classes, which would probably help factoring them into more controller oriented things, but I want to get it right the first time. And I know I can't.

In this mentality, I think I have bitten off more than I can chew. Every small step means more steps when the final design comes into place, but without small steps I cannot get anywhere.

I need help. :cry:

Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 10:30 pm
by feyd
Instead of stressing about getting it perfect the first time, just get it working. Then refactor where it makes sense. When doing things the first few times, you'll keep finding places where refactoring can take place.. so just let it happen naturally instead of forcing the final result..

Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 6:19 am
by foobar
feyd wrote:Instead of stressing about getting it perfect the first time, just get it working. Then refactor where it makes sense. When doing things the first few times, you'll keep finding places where refactoring can take place.. so just let it happen naturally instead of forcing the final result..
Not only is that an efficient way of doing things, but the satisfaction is greater wehenever you get something to work. Coding can sometimes be very rewarding, depending on if you want the reward or not.

Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 6:23 am
by neophyte
Also try working out the solution(s) on projects that are not on the job or for a client. That way you can experiment freely with out worrying about getting it perfect the first time.

Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 6:30 am
by redmonkey
If you strive for perfection, you will never release a single piece of software.

I agree with feyd, getting working first, then streamline/refactor as and when required.

I spent sometime working for a software company who were classed as 'top of the game' in their industry. They spent a long time working on a new product, and were caught up in the whole 'has to be perfect' way of thinking. They continually missed release deadlines as at the last minute there would be a "let's just fix this bit", or "let me just tweak that" or "I'll just add this feature" the knock on effect of that was that the app was required to be tested again which would end up with another round of fixing/tweaking/feature additions essentially just going round in circles.

At some point you just have to bite the bullet and release it into the wild.