I've been reflecting on a behavior that's driving me a bit nuts. When I code, whether it's using libraries, developing a function, or figuring out APIs, I feel an overwhelming urge to understand *everything* about what I'm doing. This means not just knowing how to use a tool, but delving deep into its implementation, wondering about every single line of code and why it was written that way. It can be pretty exhausting.
I don't believe it's due to conditions like OCD or autism—as I've never been diagnosed—but I wonder if it's a form of perfectionism or perhaps anxiety. While being detail-oriented is often praised, the reality is it's turning into a double-edged sword. I get caught up in minutiae that likely don't matter and make minimal progress in the process, which is frustrating.
I'm curious if others share this experience and how they find a balance between understanding code on a deeper level and getting things done efficiently. Any tips or advice would be really appreciated!
6 Answers
It's totally normal! The curiosity can help you become a better programmer, but learn to scope your deep dives to what's relevant to your work. Eventually, you'll find a rhythm between checking every detail and trusting streamlined libraries or abstractions.
As you keep coding, this will get easier. It's like learning to read—at first, you grasp small pieces, but over time you'll start seeing the bigger picture and understanding code more intuitively. Trust that this will come with practice, and it’s fine to skip the deeper dives sometimes.
Deadlines can really help improve productivity. I have ADHD, and tight deadlines push me to get things done without obsessing too much. At some point, you need to decide what's 'good enough' instead of perfect, and that can be a skill you develop over time.
Setting clear goals helps! If you've met your objectives, you don't need to dive into every detail. Adding TODO comments for questions you can come back to later can also help clear your mind and keep track of things without getting overwhelmed.
It's a classic case of 'perfection is the enemy of completion.' Aiming for perfection can really slow you down. Sometimes, it’s helpful to just get something working and then iterate on it rather than getting lost in the details from the get-go.
What you're experiencing is common. It's called first principle thinking, and many go through it. You'll learn to navigate between deeply understanding essential parts and letting go of the rest as you gain more experience. Focus on what's necessary for your immediate tasks, and trust that you can always dig deeper later if you need to.
Definitely! I've found that I can revisit areas of code when it's more relevant, and that saves a lot of time!
I totally agree! It's about finding a balance between striving for quality and making progress.