I always felt in the zone with a beer, late at night. Bit of Justice or something on Spotify (or otherwise set to some sort of chilled out dubstep playlist), lights dimmed, and off I go.
Now being actually employed, I don't often do much at home (and don't even have a desk any more). There's not much concept of a zone there and I've become more collaborative and less engorged by my work. So it's more about throwing ideas out there, engaging in discussions, and talking through benefits and implications.
So in that sense my coding zone is less about blanking out the rest of the world and getting shit done like it used to be. It's mainly about being on top form with new ideas and creativity.
Aside from all that, I don't understand the caffeine thing. It's almost a stereotype. A good cup of tea or glass of water does me better.
My wording was bad but I meant that I don't drink stuff just for a caffeine boost. Espresso and Rocket Fuel and Red Bull/Relentless don't even register when it comes to needing a good drink.
If anything, I feel the come-down more than the pick-up.
Now being actually employed, I don't often do much at home (and don't even have a desk any more). There's not much concept of a zone there and I've become more collaborative and less engorged by my work. So it's more about throwing ideas out there, engaging in discussions, and talking through benefits and implications.
So in that sense my coding zone is less about blanking out the rest of the world and getting shit done like it used to be. It's mainly about being on top form with new ideas and creativity.
Aside from all that, I don't understand the caffeine thing. It's almost a stereotype. A good cup of tea or glass of water does me better.