Re: coding music

bob@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
I was just wondering what type of music you think is best for
concentrating while coding. I would imagine it is something without
vocals, but, beyond that, I'm not sure.

I really like music, so I have to have music which is good but not TOO
interesting musically. Otherwise, I start thinking "wow, great guitar
work" or "what chord *is* that?". And then I'm not concentrating on
programming.

I actually sort of like repetitive, groove-oriented stuff for listening
to while programming (even though I'm not too much of a fan otherwise).
Herbie Han***'s "Headhunters" is a personal favorite. I also sometimes
listen to Medeski, Martin, and Wood, although sometimes their stuff is
too chaotic and jarring to serve as background music.

Beyond picking particular styles of music, anything that you're already
very familiar with can be good. Music that you've listened to lots and
lots of times already is not likely to take your attention away from
what you're trying to concentrate on, and yet it's obviously music that
you enjoy.

Also, I agree with what someone said elsewhere in this thread that silence
is usually ideal. This is certainly true for tricky coding tasks that
require absolute concentration. However, there are times when what you're
coding is relatively obvious and straightforward but just a little tedious
and what you really need is something to keep your mental energy level up
and keep you moving at a good pace. For that, music can be helpful if it
changes your state of mind. I've recently started running on a treadmill,
and I've noticed that when I'm feeling tired, the right music at the right
moment can make me want to physically move. It can do the same thing when
my brain is dragging and I need something to kick it into gear. Sometimes.

- Logan
.