有些急性子

有些急性子

有些急性子
jike
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What is programming thinking - Taking a small project as an example

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The document discusses several characteristics of programming thinking, including: 1. **Problem Decomposition**: Breaking down large problems into smaller, manageable parts. 2. **Building MVP (Minimum Viable Product)**: Creating a basic version of a solution to validate direction and build confidence. 3. **Step-by-Step Testing**: Testing each step rather than waiting until the end to identify issues. 4. **Automation**: Utilizing programs for repetitive tasks instead of relying on human effort. 5. **Logging**: Keeping detailed records of actions to help trace problems. An example is provided using the "Didi ride receipt" to illustrate these concepts. The author faced a cumbersome process of copying trip data from a PDF to a system and decided to automate it. Using an AI programming tool, they extracted relevant data from the PDF and formatted it into an Excel file, iteratively refining the output through testing. The process highlighted the benefits of automation and the importance of logging changes in programming. In conclusion, programming thinking is essential not only for coding but also for problem-solving in various work contexts. The author encourages practicing this mindset to improve efficiency and effectiveness in tackling challenges.

1. Characteristics of Programming Thinking#

  • Problem Decomposition

    • Break down large problems into smaller ones that can be solved step by step.

  • Build MVP

    • "Get it running" first. A preliminary feasible solution can validate our direction and also increase confidence.

  • Step-by-Step Testing

    • Conduct corresponding tests at each step, rather than waiting until all work is done; otherwise, discovering issues may require starting over.

  • Automation

    • Repetitive and bulk work is not a strong suit for humans; it is more suitable to be handled by programs.

  • Logging

    • Memory is unreliable. Only logs can faithfully record all information, making it easier to locate problems.

2. Taking the "Didi Taxi Trip Receipt" as an Example to Summarize Trip Data#

2.1 Problem Decomposition#

Problem: When filling out the reimbursement form, I found that I needed to copy trip and amount information from the trip receipt to the BOS system one by one, which was too cumbersome, and copying content from the PDF was prone to errors.

Thinking carefully, shouldn't this be the kind of work that programs excel at? Why should I make it difficult for myself?

Just do it:

Analyze the requirements: Extract the corresponding time, location, amount, and other information from the trip receipt PDF, and then output it to an Excel template.

All PDF formats are fixed, and the Excel format to be exported is also fixed. Therefore, once the program is written, it can adapt to all Didi trip receipts.

2.2 Build MVP#

I used the AI programming tool Trea to build the code more quickly. This is the first AI IDE produced by ByteDance, which deeply understands Chinese development scenarios.

First, create a folder to store the code files and place a Didi trip receipt PDF file in the folder. Then open this folder in Trea.

Next, switch the dialog box on the right side of Trea to Builder mode and enter the following command.

Extract the corresponding start time, start location, end location, and amount information from the trip receipt PDF, and then output the corresponding content to the terminal.

First, build an MVP that can retrieve the corresponding data. Clearly, this small requirement is a minor case for AI. In less than a minute, the preliminary code was written, producing the desired output. This made it much easier for me to copy the required data in the terminal. Of course, this is definitely not the final result I wanted.

2.3 Step-by-Step Testing#

Next, I input another command to the AI:

I want to save the output content as an Excel file.

Quickly, the AI completed its task and realized my vision.

However, this is not the end; I have specific requirements for the format of the Excel file. Next, I directly placed the standard Excel sample file I needed in the folder and told the AI:

Please adjust the format of the Excel file you output based on the Excel file I provided.

Soon, the Excel format I wanted was achieved.

However, the output Excel still did not meet some of my requirements; I wanted the entries in the output Excel to be sorted in ascending order by start date and time. I made another request to the AI:

Sort the entries in the output Excel in ascending order by start date and time.

Thus, through step-by-step testing and adjustments, the "mini-program" I needed was finally realized.

2.4 Automation#

This program is an automated way to help me free myself from the tedious task of filling out trip receipts. Although it took dozens of minutes of constant adjustments, consuming time for reimbursement filling, it will definitely reduce a lot of trouble in my future work.

2.5 Logging#

In programming, the git tool is a great logging tool, with corresponding log records for each code update.

This article is also a log of my attempt this time.

3. Conclusion#

Programming thinking should be an important way of thinking that we need to possess in our work. It is not only used for writing code; the ability to decompose problems allows us to tackle "big problems"; MVP enables us to build preliminary models for solving problems; logging facilitates us to trace back the steps to solve issues and better summarize experiences...

4. As a Side Note#

I haven't written anything for a long time, and I still need to exercise my brain to record something.

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