Problem solving
Problem solving is the process of analyzing a problem and developing, selecting, or applying a solution to address it.
The Creative Programmer
Problem solving is the process of analyzing a problem and developing, evaluating, and applying a solution.
- How it is used
- Frames creativity as a way to generate alternatives when conventional programming approaches fail.
- How deep it goes
- Defines problem solving and offers toolbox habits, while deferring a complete catalog of techniques.
- Examples
- Uses request-handling options, Darwin’s observations, and cross-language thought experiments to prompt alternative solutions.
- What you can do after
- Apply it via a flexible toolbox: change perspective, test alternative tools, and adapt ideas from elsewhere.
The Art of Code
Problem-solving is the process of analyzing a problem and devising an effective solution.
- How it is used
- Guides investigation and resolution of production bugs, unpredictable behavior, and performance failures.
- How deep it goes
- Explains a four-step loop with hot/cold exploration, root-cause investigation, hypothesis evaluation, implementation, and reflection.
- Examples
- Uses a slow page caused by a dropped database index and a constrained Person-list transformation exercise.
- What you can do after
- Diagnose/debug with it by clarifying symptoms, investigating causes, validating hypotheses, implementing fixes, and reflecting on results.
Lead Developer Career Guide
The process of analyzing a difficulty and developing or applying a solution.
- How it is used
- Uses problem solving to demonstrate developer readiness, evaluate candidates, lead teams through incidents, and improve through reflection.
- How deep it goes
- Demonstrates problem solving through interview responses, project evidence, troubleshooting, delegation, and reflection without prescribing a formal framework.
- Examples
- Uses prepared projects, challenging-project questions, debugging scenarios, and a prolonged deployment involving failed tests and disk space.
- What you can do after
- Apply problem solving by explaining investigative choices, troubleshooting incidents, coordinating work, and documenting reusable lessons.
Read how Lead Developer Career Guide explains problem solving →
Related concepts
- state spaceuses · A state space is the set of possible states or configurations of a system, environment, or problem.
- capabilitykind of · A capability is a defined ability, function, or authority that enables a person, organization, or system to perform tasks or achieve outcomes.
- cognitioncontrasts with · Cognition is the set of processes by which an agent acquires, processes, represents, and uses information.
- job interviewmeasured by · A job interview is a structured or informal conversation in which an employer evaluates a candidate’s qualifications and suitability for an employment role.
- creativityused by · Creativity is the ability to generate ideas, expressions, artifacts, or solutions that are novel and meaningful or useful.
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