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Weekend Stuff: How I code, some Python resources, food.
It’s the weekend. I’m sitting here at work about to get ready to finish a project I’ve been working on for a few hours each day this week and I figured I’d just put a few of my thoughts together in a post.
 How I code …
Everyone seems to have a different way of doing things when they code. Some like it in absolute peace and quiet, others need distraction, some can’t code without tons of planning, some just go at it.
For myself, I need music, a good cup of tea, and no other distractions. My biggest problem when it comes to coding is if I am not in the groove for it, for whatever reason it’s very hard for me to get into it, but it’s still possible.
Setting the mood is very important for me (and others!). I like to brew up a big pot of green tea, turn on some quality programming music (see here for a list of my favorites), set the music at the perfect pitch, relax for a bit, and then get going. Additionally, I turn off MSN and any other IM services. All they are is a distraction.
Having a plan is a must. It’s almost impossible to code just on a whim without a basic idea. I have a plan usually, and when I do not have any real documentation laid out I write pseudo code! Pseudo code is basically allowing me to do all the coding logic without the syntax. I then mess with the psuedo code until I am happy with the flow, and I can begin coding the real thing. Knowing the syntax is not even half the battle after all 
Just gotta keep going! One thing I like to do is just get into a flow and do not stop. Next thing I know, 4 hours have passed. It’s perfect because I know I am in the zone and can get things done, and I have my night set up in such a way that I do not need to worry about other obligations and distractions. Even with a girlfriend, she can understand you are busy and give you your time to yourself so it’s not a huge issue.
Python Resources this week
Once again this week saw me playing with Python, albeit not as much as I wanted to. Regardless, here’s some more great blogs I found for Python resources:
- Pythoneer is not exclusively a Python resource, but has some great posts now and then.
- Just like the above, Artful Code is not Python exclusive but a great resource for well, Artful code!
- codekite is a great blog on programming in general. Funny his latest post is also a link to various Python resources
- Eric Florenzano’s blog, posts tagged as django. I am 99% sure he is a contributor to the Django framework but I can’t be sure
Food: YUM YUM
I’ve got a hankering to make some new and unique food this week. Here are some things on the menu that I hope to post recipes for (with pics perhaps!) this week or so:
- Mussels! I have only had mussels about twice, both times at a chinese buffet so I’d like to take a shot at them on my own. With some white wine and a great onion/garlic marinate for them, they should turn out great. I will definitely document this when I make them.
- Bourbon Chicken. This is easily one of my favourite take-out foods ever. Problem is, it’s generally very bad/greasy for you from the fast food places so I am going to attempt to make a healthy alternative at home. Already got some good recipes.
- Pizza dough. Although I cannot eat pizza at all (yay gluten-free/dairy-free life!) I want to attempt to make a pizza dough I can eat. Once I achieve this, I can make a very simple cheesless pizza.
Well that’s about it. I’m going to probably redesign this blog a bit to fit more into what I’m posting about as my left menu doesn’t really correspond to much anymore. But for now, I really should start working!