Naming ¶

• use memorable variable names: we have limited working memory
• how to find good variable names: describe what it does with a sentence and picking its 2-3 most important words. -> not too long
• array names have to describe what they contain
• be consistent

Reformulate ¶

Une question bien posée est une question a moitié résolue

• we have the ... (data we have)
• we're asked to ... (data we have to find)
• we have to strip the fluff and keep
  • the description of the information we have
  • the description of the question
  • the names and objects that help us find our way with the input data
  • any detail that impacts the algorithm
  • also reformulate sub-problems

How to find algorithm ideas ¶

• read the subject well and reformulate
• list the constraints
• find a good graphic representation
• solve examples by hand
• find a slow algorithm and then optimize it
• renew perspective:
  • enumerate algorithm types to see if they're applicable
  • find other representations
  • enumerate the main loops / methods of traversal
  • important: simplify the problem; then generalize the solution