Problem Solving Framework

gistfile1.txt

UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM 
Can I restate the problem in my own words?  
What are the inputs that go into the problem?
What are the outputs that should come from the solution to the problem?  
Can the outputs be determined from the inputs? In other words, do I have enough information to solve the problem? (You may not be able to answer this question until you set about solving the problem. That's okay; it's still worth considering the question at this early stage.)  
How should I label the important pieces of data that are a part of the problem?

EXPLORE EXAMPLES  
User Stories?  
Unit Tests?
- Use the simple and complex examples to generate tests for the solution that you wrote.
Simple Examples
- A explanation example. The kind of example that you would see in a textbook example.
Complex Examples
- Inputs that test the constraints of the function. Edge cases.
Examples with Empty Inputs  
Examples with Invalid Inputs  

BREAK IT DOWN
Always offer two types of solutions
Like a TO-DO list.
The problem will always be a series of smaller problems.


SOLVE THE PROBLEM
If you can't... 

SOLVE A SIMPLER PROBLEM!
Find the core difficulty in what you're trying to do
Temporarily ignore that difficulty  
Write a simplified solution  
Then incorporate that difficulty back in  

REFACTORING QUESTIONS  
Can you check the result?  
Can you derive the result differently?
Can you understand it at a glance?  
Can you use the result or method for some other problem?  
Can you improve the performance of your solution?
Can you think of other ways to refactor?  
How have other people solved this problem?