How to ask for help

Having problems is normal. If you do not learn how to solve your own problems, life will be difficult for you.

Why can't you write this program?

With gratitude to and permission from Stephen Hughes (Coe College) and Philip East (University of Northern Iowa)

Type of problem	What you need to do to solve it
I don't understand the problem	Requirements Gathering
I can’t describe how to get a solution	Algorithmic thinking; problem decomposition
I don’t know all the details	Real world problems require research
I can solve it by hand, but I don’t know how to code it.	New Language Features
I can do it	Explore efficiency or professionalism.

Checklist for solving problems when coding in PHP

Click here for our checklist

How to view our linux error log

I encourage students to open a new tab in their terminal window. The command below will create a running list of errors. To escape from the output, push the key combination control-C.

tail -f /var/log/php/error.log

Problem Solving Steps

1. Repeat the problem, make the error happen again
2. TRACE the problem (click here to learn more) - Insert a notification or breakpoint into your program
3. Google the problem in general terms. For example: python how to import a calendar
4. Re-read your code (sometimes, reading backwards helps you see little errors)
5. Use your debugging tools
6. Ask a friend
7. Google the specific error message your program is raising
8. Don't ask your teacher until you have a very specific question.

Click the image to learn about common mistakes

You must learn to solve problems.

Other problem-solving strategies

1. walk away for a few minutes
2. take a short break (2 to 3 minutes)
3. physically stretch your body

Give a detailed account or picture of a situation, event, pattern or process.

Separate into simpler constituents.

Undertake a systematic process of discovery

Give a sequence of brief answers with no explanation.

Apply knowledge or rules to put theory into practice.