Problem Solving
Have you ever been blocked on an easy problem?
Yes, I have. I had to write a "for loop", and could not figure out why my code would not run. I turned to Google and looked at a number of examples. I was sure mine was set up exactly like the examples, but it still wouldn't work. I then opened up Developer Tools in Chrome. I used console.log() to show me the array (list) I was trying to loop through. My list was correct, but I was receiving a weird error, that my variable defining the list didn't exist. After poking around with Dev Tools, I eventually realized that I had a typo in my in my variable that I used to define the "for loop." So I fixed the typo and my code ran exactly as it was supposed to.
I was quite frusturated with myself as I tried to figure out the problem. I find that I get stubborn and can get really focused in on one aspect of the problem. I need to remember that it is ok to step away from the problem for a bit and return with a refreshed mind.
Have you ever solved a problem in an elegant way?
To solve a problem elegantly essential means to use few lines of code in a clever way. I don't think any of my solutions have been elegant, but whenever I am able to create a sucessful loop, with conditional if/else statements, I think I see a glimpse of elegance.
Whenever I come up with a working solution, I feel quite proud. I enjoy the feeling of solving a puzzle and watching all the moving parts come together to produce the result. It seems that when I am able to produce a working solution relatively easily, it's because I have taken time to understand what I need to do before I actually write any code.
Comment on your ability to Pseudocode.
I haven't use this technique a whole lot. However the times I have used it I find it helps. This is something to continue to work on.
Comment on your ability to Try Something.
I have no issue with this. I am constantly trying new things out.
Comment on your ability to use the Rubber Ducky.
I usually don't end up at this method unless I've been blocked for a long time. So far it hasn't created any solutions.
Comment on your ability to Read Error Messages.
This is something I need to work on. I typically glance over them, and immediately look at my code. I need to read the error message first, as it will likely helps me understand where my code is wrong.
Comment on your ability to console.log.
This is something, I am just learning. I found it very useful the few times I have used it. I will continue to use in the future.
Comment on your ability to Google.
I feel like I'm the master of Googling.
Comment on your ability to Ask Peers for Help.
No issue here. But given the time zones (14 hours behind) I typically leave this to be one of my last options
Comment on your ability to Ask Coaches for Help.
I have not done this as I resort to the above techniques first. But if required I'd have no problem asking a coach for help.
Comment on your ability to Improve your Process with Reflection.
This is a work in progress. My reflections are beginning to be more meaningful, therefore they will be more relevant and help me improve.
Define .map()
This function will create a new array, by taking one array, running a function on every element of that array, and then saving the resulting values to the new array.
Define .filter()
This function will create a new array, by taking one array, running a conditional function (true/false) on every element of that array, and then save the values that returned true to the new array.
Define .reduce()
This function takes an array and reduces it to a single value, by adding or subtracting the values in the array, one by one, from left to right.
