Writing code can be challenging when you have different and conflicting demands on your time. How do you focus on your code without exhausting yourself? You can try the Pomodoro Productivity technique.
What is Pomodoro?
Pomodoro is where you focus on a task like a coding problem for 25 minutes. Then, you take a 5 minute break. After the break, you start another 25 minute round. Break. Repeat. After about 4 rounds, you take an even longer break (20 or 30 minutes). This technique was invented by Fransesco Cirillo. He called it Pomodoro because he used a kitchen timer in the shape of a tomato. Pomodoro is Italian for tomato.
How do you use it for programming
You plan to focus on one programming task or problem at a time. Work for 25 minutes or longer. Some people like to use 45 minutes instead of 25. After you have worked for the planned time, take a break.
When you are writing code, it can be hard to watch the clock and take a break on time. You can use a kitchen timer or apps on your phone or computer. Or you can build your own Pomodoro Timer.
With productivity hack, no one technique fits all. You may need to experiment or tweak before you can get it to work for you. If you work in an office, you can’t stop all of your interruptions. By explaining this technique to your boss and coworkers, they will understand that you are using it to limit your distractions and that they can talk with you when they need to. Alex Mitgusky wrote about how he uses the Pomodoro technique as a programmer.
