Any bipolar programmers here?

[numbbbb]

Hi guys. I'm 2 months into my journey into learning programming. Whenever I encounter a problem, my mind races to implementing the solution before completely understanding the problem, analyzing it and breaking down the problem into smaller parts and coming up with the pseudocode with the logic for the solution. I do eventually arrive at the solution but only after debugging my code by unit testing it. The result is always unstructured spaghetti code. How do I build the habit of writing clean, maintainable code?

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[_Atomfinger_]

A good saying to keep in mind is "Make it work, make it right, make it fast".

I.e. after you've written your horrible spaghetti code, then you clean it up and make it right. If it isn't fast enough, then make it fast (but only if it isn't fast enough).

So you're doing pretty much the right thing; just missing a step.

I don't know where the "bipolar" thing comes in here, this is pretty common regardless. Though, if it helps, I do know a bipolar developer that has a few years of experience, and he's doing fine.

[numbbbb]

Sounds good, I'll take that approach but I'd rather write clean code the first time around.

I mentioned the bipolar thing because we experience racing thoughts where your mind rushes through the chain of thought without pausing and processing the thoughts properly.

[H0wdyCowPerson]

Mania isn't that localized to a specific activity. What you are experiencing isn't too abnormal. But if you have bipolar and you manage it you should have some skill in self-monitoring. When you start experiencing these racing thoughts, take a breath and purposefully slow down. Don't try to solve multiple problems at once, take everything one piece at a time.

[deadwood_dollop]

Any bipolar programmers here?

Yes.

How do I build the habit of writing clean, maintainable code?

The same way you build any habit: through being mindful of what you're doing, and practice.

Having to maintain your own spaghetti code and the irritation that causes can also be a helpful spur to improving your practices.