It’s a lot easier to write software in a noise-free environment, or predictable consistent background noise. A good set of headphones is a must, and an iPod application or two can be really handy.
White Noise by TMSoft is currently my favorite. Their boat rocking, railroad tracks bumps and various types of rain are great for relaxing just the right amount.
I also highly recommend the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movie sound track, and just about anything composed by John Williams.
Update: My friend Rob pointed me to the incredibly awesome Trance Around the World Podcast. Highly recommended.
This article has a cool description of something I’ve been working on in my own programming style lately:
If code describes intent, rather than incidentals, it will better stand the test of time.
I figure it also gives each compiler a better chance to optimize for whatever exotic chip-set the code someday runs on.
Although I too am a fan of really good resource locking algorithms; I suspect that this gentleman’s attempt to get his wife excited about them is just going to lead to her being a little less quick to fix the printer for him next time he needs help. The article is probably funny to anyone, and it’s hilarious if you’ve ever had to implement or fix a resource locking algorithm.
Edward Delaporte
Apr 6
Programming