Alright folks, let’s dive into my latest coding adventure: ’20 of 15′. Sounds cryptic, right? Well, it’s all about trying to squeeze 20 different tasks into a 15-hour coding sprint. Crazy? Maybe. Fun? Definitely!
The Setup
So, I started by listing out all the potential projects I wanted to tackle. I had a mix of things – bug fixes, feature enhancements, new library explorations, the whole shebang. I literally wrote them all down on a whiteboard, like some kinda mad scientist.
The Chopping Block
Next, came the brutal part: the cut. I had to prioritize. Some tasks were essential, others were just “nice-to-haves.” I used a simple rating system (1-5 stars) based on impact and effort. Anything below a certain threshold got the axe. Tough love, baby!
The Plan
With my top 20 (ish) tasks locked in, I started time-boxing. I allocated a specific amount of time to each task. Some got 30 minutes, others got a couple of hours. I used a simple spreadsheet to keep track. Important: I padded each time estimate with a “buffer” for unforeseen issues (and coffee breaks!).
The Grind
Okay, the fun part (and the stressful part): actually coding! I stuck to my schedule as much as possible. If I was getting bogged down on a task, I’d force myself to move on and revisit it later. No time for rabbit holes!
- First, I attacked a pesky bug that was causing some UI weirdness. Spent a solid hour debugging that sucker. Finally nailed it with a clever workaround (don’t judge!).
- Next, I implemented a small feature enhancement. Added a new sorting option to a list. Quick and dirty, but it worked.
- Then, I spent some time playing with a new charting library. Got a basic chart up and running, but ran out of time to customize it properly.
The Hurdles
Of course, things didn’t go perfectly. I hit a few snags along the way. One library refused to cooperate, another task turned out to be way more complex than I anticipated. This is where the buffer time came in handy.
The Results
So, did I complete all 20 tasks in 15 hours? Nope. Not even close. I think I managed around 12-13. But here’s the thing: I got a TON done. Way more than I would have if I hadn’t set that aggressive goal. Plus, I learned a lot about time management and prioritization.
The Takeaways
Would I do it again? Absolutely. It’s a great way to push yourself and get a lot done in a short amount of time. Here are a few tips:
- Be realistic about your time estimates.
- Don’t be afraid to cut tasks that are taking too long.
- Take breaks! You’ll be more productive if you’re not burned out.
- Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small.
The Code
I’m not gonna paste the code here, because that’d be a mess. But if you’re curious about specific parts, feel free to ask in the comments. I’m happy to share my “clever workarounds” and “quick and dirty” solutions.
The End
So, that’s my ’20 of 15′ story. It was a wild ride, but I’m glad I did it. Now, time for a nap!
