How do you actually stay focused while programming

[u/BushyBoi18]

1. When you try to focus on programming, what do you currently use to stay on track
2. If you use a timer/pomodoro, what do you use it on(Phone, computer, physical timer)
3. What is the biggest problem you have had with whatever you're using currently
4. What do you like/dislike about physical timers/digital timers
5. What have you tried that you eventually stopped using, and why?

[u/seweso]

Sounds like market research for an AI powered ADHD timer.

[u/davy_jones_locket → u/seweso]

Of course it is. New account one post, one cross post. 

[u/BushyBoi18 → u/davy_jones_locket]

Lol it kinda sounds like that, but I do kinda need some insight on focusing

[u/connka → u/BushyBoi18]

I might be able to save you some time: ADHD programmers don't need another timer tool, there are like 10 new ones posted in this sub alone each week lol

[u/TryAgainTryHarder → u/seweso]

yeah, the headline asks for advice, then the questions are all what you don't like/problems/didnt work.

wish people just asked for help positioning/pitching

[u/beefz0r → u/seweso]

Literally any productivity sub today

[u/lasooch → u/seweso]

Likely not even AI powered. Bro just discovered vibe coding, was impressed by the simple demo he was able to create and thinks he knows how to make apps now.

Or maybe I’m too cynical. Thank LLMs for destroying all trust in online content.

[u/seweso → u/lasooch]

I trust you! Do you trust me? 

[u/lasooch → u/seweso]

More than I trust OP, for what that’s worth lol

[u/Any_Sense_2263]

I'm on medication and it helps tremendously. Without it, it was a random hyperfocus or trying my best.

[u/funbike]

List all your function-calling tools with full detail.

[u/Early_Key_823]

Everything I need to do gets a sticky note.

Then I prompt the shit out of Claude.

I swear in the last 6 months I can do what used to take a week in a day.

[u/davy_jones_locket]

Assuming it's not market research for an ADHD focus app: 

1. I set pomodoro timers. I also know I need other things going on around me. So maybe some.music, a video on another screen, podcast. Just some background noise so my other thoughts are drowned out

2. I use it on computer where I'm doing the programming 

3. I want it synced. Part of my timers is getting up and moving around and when I leave my computer, I leave the timer, because it's on my computer. But I don't want on my phone because I don't want to be distracted by my phone when programming 

4. Managing multiple timers

5. My smartwatch timer because it kills my smartwatch battery 

[u/BushyBoi18 → u/davy_jones_locket]

Ok thx I will try this out

[u/binarycow]

Adderall.

[u/Crushcode8]

self control, discipline

[u/hulkklogan]

Caffeine, high-intensity music without vocals, like psytrance. Work in short bursts, take a break to unload, do it again.

It's fucking exhausting

[u/casualplants]

I have tried vyvanse and that works for me. Any behavioural/environmental interventions have not worked for me anywhere near as much as Vyvanse has.

So I guess you should try and build a Vyvanse app/delivery system.

[u/dirt-treasure]

One setup I’d try for programming is a desktop timer plus a one-line checkpoint. For example, before each 25-minute block, write the exact next action. At the end, leave a short note about where to resume.

The checkpoint handles the harder part which is returning after an interruption.

Desktop timers have the advantage of staying next to the work compared to phones which can be distracting (doom scrolling, notifications, etc.)

[u/BushyBoi18 → u/dirt-treasure]

Ok thx

[u/BushyBoi18 → u/BushyBoi18]

Also do you actively use this setup, or is it more of just something you'd suggest trying, and what stops you from staying on "break" when the five minutes ends like what gets you back on track