rip test: my 3-step process for solving any technical problem

RIP Test: My 3-Step Process for Solving Any Technical Problem

A simple strategy for solving problems and resolving bugs.

Two very important quotes that come to mind when I think of technical problem-solving are:

"We cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them." — Albert Einstein

"If your only tool is a hammer, then every problem looks like a nail." — Abraham Maslow

Too often, developers face two types of problems: building new features, or resolving bugs in existing features. Having a high-level strategy on how to approach these issues puts you in an optimal position to save hours of wasted time.

R — Research / Reproduce

The first phase. Researching is learning more about the problem — digging deeper, finding possible solutions, and gathering knowledge. If you're resolving a bug, reproduce it first. Being able to consistently demonstrate its occurrence makes finding a solution much easier.

I — Identify / Investigate

"Fall in Love with the problem, and the solution will become self-evident."

Fully understanding the problem is a prerequisite to identifying the best solution. Drill down through possible approaches, weigh pros/cons, and let the most suitable solution reveal itself.

P — Perform

The clarity gained from R and I makes implementation a joy. This is when you write the code, make the changes, and bring your solution to reality.

Test

Always test your solution. Never assume it works. Write good automated tests and maintain a solid QA process. Environmental circumstances change and things break.

The RIP Test strategy can be applied to most problems we encounter, not just as developers but in our day-to-day lives. Go be 10x!