The tricky part of programming in C++ is not solely related to writing codes. Yes, you do require an in-depth understanding of the language but what is even more important is:
- Critical thinking.
- Ability to solve problems.
Creative programming calibrates your mind to approach particular problems from all possible angles. It short, your goal is to chart out the quickest and most optimized way to solve a problem.
These 40 tips are divided into these sections, each describing different ways to boost your creativity.
- Pen and paper approach.
- Band together.
- Self-control.
- Simplify.
- Ask for help.
- Online Research Tips.
- Mind Stimulation.
- Documentation.
- Effective Troubleshooting
- General tips.
- Pen and paper Approach
In this step, we will discuss some ground rules to ensure you are on the right track.
- Allocate your time
Most students get stuck with a particular problem and keep at it for far too long.
Therefore, it is essential to set up a routine and plan your work accordingly. Programming can be divided into several stages.
- Set aside 10 minutes every day to scan through the structure of the program you have created. Do this every time before you start working on your schedule.
- Set 25-30 minutes to solve a particular aspect of the program. Do not stress your mind.
- Make a deadline and stick to it. Set aside the goal of solving a specific part of your program every day and follow it diligently.
- Breaking Down of Complex Ideas
Write down your problems on a piece of paper. You can use a flow chart for a better understanding.
Instead of dealing with the entire assignment, break it down into smaller segments and solve them gradually. Not only does it simplify the program but makes it easier to approach as well.
- Plan Your Strategy
Create a mind-map exhibiting how you intend to approach the problem at hand. List down the paths you wish to take before writing your code.
- Collect your Thoughts
Never scrap any idea you have regarding a project. If you have a concept, consult it with a friend or your instructor before banishing it to the dustbin.
- Decide on Algorithms
Decide what algorithms you are willing to run for your program beforehand. At least set aside a primary list.
Changing your algorithms, later on, is better than creating a program with no specified algorithms.
- Optimized Codes
Efficiency correlates with optimization. The more efficient you are at solving problems, the more streamlined your codes will become.
When faced with a complicated idea, try it by writing as little code as possible. Do not write unnecessary statements, and always focus on what the program is trying to achieve.
- Algorithms
Algorithms are undoubtedly the most critical aspect of a program. There are many algorithms available on the internet to help you with your assignments.
With enough experience and practice, you can design, you will be able to develop your algorithms.
- Analyze your Algorithms
After creating an algorithm, observe how efficient it is at solving the problem. Record the total run-time and RAM consumed during the process for better analysis.
- Implementation
Implement the algorithms one by one into the program and observe the total run-time. Troubleshoot each time you insert an algorithm.
- Experiment
Make minor adjustments to enhance the all over performance of the program. Experiment with different protocols to get better and more optimized results.
- Band Together
Working on a project becomes much more enjoyable when you have friends helping you out. You can even go ahead and turn the assignment into a competition.
Setting a prize can also act as an excellent reinforcement for you and your band of programmers.
Programming is a learning process. With practice, you will eventually discover creative and innovative ways to read and write code.
- Turn it into a personal endeavor
For instance, imagine what you would if this was not an assignment. Think about the project as a personal endeavor.
Make modifications anyway you seem fit and feel free to try out new algorithms and ideas to get desired results.
This is beneficial because not only are you working on your assignment, but also learning new things as you go along.
- Collaborate with friends
Meet up with your friends and experiment with different versions of your programs.
If all of you received similar assignments, then challenge each other.
Try to come up with creative solutions that are more efficient than your peers.
If you got different assignments, try to figure out ways you can relate one program to another. Suppose your friend is working on a pattern generator, while you received a billing assignment. You can create specific patterns to display different messages at the end of the billing process.
- Visit Online Forums
There are various online platforms where people share and experiment with codes. You can go over to social media platforms such as Reedit or Facebook and ask for help from the online community.
It a great place to fish for solutions if you are all out of ideas.
- Self-control
- Set Aside Distractions
Switch of electronic devices other than your computer. Log out of your gaming accounts (Steam, GOG, Battle net, etc.) and social media platforms.
Prevent any source of distractions that can mess with your concentration.
- Pomodoro Technique
Famous, hard-working and most efficient individuals follow the Pomodoro technique.
It is a time management method which uses a 25-minute timer to break down work intervals.
You take a 5-minute break after working for 25-minutes (1 Pomodoro). After 4 pomodoros you take a more extended break of 15-30 minutes.
This technique not only instils urgency but provides an effort-reward cycle; naturally encouraging the mind to work harder and more efficiently.
- Make a Timeline
Imagine you have a half-a-month to finish your assignment. Make a timeline that divides this period into specific tasks.
Spend the first day planning your approach. It is advised that you do not rush into programming straight away. Here is an example you can use to build your own timeline:
- Day 1- Planning.
- Day 2- Deciding algorithms.
- Day 3-4 – Write your code.
- Day 5-10- Test it, optimize it.
- Day 10-15- Add necessary comments for better understanding.
- Simplify
- Start Difficult
At the beginning of assignments, students overflow with enthusiasm. You can use this energy to solve the problematic bits of your project.
Leave the easy parts for the end.
- Consult Projects from Previous Years
A great way to get ideas is to shift through previous papers. The information provided on the internet can be, at times, overwhelming.
Assignments from previous years can provide useful and creative insights to solving your problems.
- Ask for Help
- Consult seniors
Ask seniors with programming experience to help you out with programming roadblocks. Observe how they do things differently. Take notes and clarify any queries you have the project.
- Talk to Instructors and Professors
If you have trouble understanding your assignment, you might want to approach your instructor. Ask them to brief you on the topic. You could even obtain a creative insight into the program, allowing you to solve it efficiently.
- Consult Web Test Papers
There are several websites that offer platforms for problem-solving. They offer puzzles that help you get a better understanding of C++.
- Selecting Information
While gathering information about your project, make sure you are choosing the right source.
Unnecessary research can set you back days on your development chain.
- Hire a Professional
Several online websites can do your assignment for you. A simple web search reveals several such programming websites.
- Online Research Tips
- Focus
It is easy to focus while you are surfing the internet. To prevent swaying from your project, make a list.
Note down your problems and restrict your research accordingly.
- Use Your Resources
Do not keep jumping from one website to another. If you find something relevant, pause to observe it.
Read the page in its entirety before you switch websites.
- Know When to Stop
Do not push further if you have sufficient information at your disposal. Unnecessary research is a waste of time and risks breaking your concentration.
- Authority Websites
Always prioritize information from authority websites. Unnecessary information can significantly slow down your progress.
- Bookmark Relevant Sites
Always bookmark essential sites so that you have access to relevant information whenever required.
- Mind Stimulation
- Listening to Music
A stressed-out mind is not at all efficient at solving problems. Listening to music is known to stimulate certain parts of the brain.
It relaxes the psyche, unlocking new ideas. It can even help you focus better onto the problem at hand.
- Sleep
Lack of proper sleep can result in a fatigued and foggy mind. To think creatively, you need to make sure you are getting adequate sleep.
- Documentation
- Maintaining Notes
While writing your program, timestamp any changes you are making to the project.
This simplifies the troubleshooting process. Whenever you come across an error, you can just flick through the timeline and detect the change responsible for the problem.
It’s a highly efficient process of documentation and addressing errors.
- GitHub Repositories
Using a repository is an optimal way to collaborate with your friends. The site keeps track of changes made to the code, giving you ready access to the proper information at all times.
- Stick to your Framework
Refrain from making any unnecessary modifications to your project. Feel free to experiment but do not include it in your final code.
- Hit the Books
If the internet appears overwhelming, you can always look at your textbooks. Lookup a few syntaxes to help you with the documentation process.
- Effective Troubleshooting
Checking your assignment for errors can be arduous. Here are a few effective troubleshooting techniques that can help you speed up the process.
- Free UP RAM
Executing programs can take a lot of time if you are running a low-tech computer. Ensure you have closed all other software to ensure the faster compilations.
- Restart the Software
Software crashes are frequent and can often be fixed with a simple restart. Look for latest software patches if the problem persists even after a reboot.
- Defragment your system
If you are running Windows, defragmenting your drive can significantly speed up the process.
As a general rule, you should defragment your computer at least once every two weeks to ensure everything is running smoothly.
- General Tips
- Don’t Rush
Writing an assignment takes time. Don’t rush the project like everyone else. Take your time to study the problem.
Understand it thoroughly before wiring a single line of code.
- Judge your Capability
Challenge yourself to do better. Try to think outside of the box. Implement unique ways to solve the problem.
The assignment tests your creativity. Irrespective of what everyone says, push you to find that unique solution that everyone thought was impossible.
- Consult Various Experts
Take advice from multiple experts on solving a specific algorithm. Different opinions can open up several creative pathways to approach your assignment.
The real creative way to complete C++ assignments is to tap into your imagination. There are no pre-determined rules to unlock creativity.
These tips can only guide you through the process. Originality comes from within you and your ability to innovate your way out of any given situation.