debugging strategy: try out a new tool
(are there any major categories of tools I'm missing here?)
I'm also trying to figure out if there's more advice to give about how/when to try out new tools. right now I just have "try to do it when you're in a low-stress situation"
@b0rk pair with someone the first time if you possibly can - if they're more experienced (even a little bit) they can steer you clear of landmines, and if they're a newcomer like you, they can share your bewilderment. flip side: pair with people (even for a few minutes) if you're more experienced (even a little) and they're new - you'll probably learn something, their increased productivity will help you in the long run, and it's the kind thing to do.
@gvwilson thanks! this is so key, I can't believe I didn't think of it before :)
@b0rk is "draw diagrams" already in your list? I realize it's not an option for everyone, but I don't think I've ever debugged anything involving a complex data structure, back-tracking, or more than two agents exchanging messages without doodling something...
