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Problem Solving

1. A time I was blocked on a simple problem

The problem I was blocked on was in the JS Kata Gradebook. The test wouldn't proceed when I'd called a function because I didn't realise the test was already calling the function. The problem solving techniques I first tried using was googling and trying different things out. I felt like I'd exhausted my capacity to search after an hour or so and decided to ask help. Through the process I felt worn out not being able find a solution to what seemed to be a simple task on my own and due to that I felt irrationally stressed asking for help. I think I can learn to loosen my ego and not be afraid to ask for help, everyone is also incredibly supportive and kind.

2. A time I elegantly solved a problem

A problem that I solved not quite elegantly but smoothly was after I realised how to use console.log (and rubber ducky method). In my first attempt at super fizzbuzz I'd tried to repeat code from an earlier function and I didn't manage to get it working for an array. While I did learn later that it's better to map repeating code, I was adamant about making my first attempt to work to get a better understanding of it. I poured a few hours googling and blindly trying different things. Reading existing discussions on Discord helped put me on the right track but I still struggled to get a working solution. I spoke to my partner about how I felt blind while working on the code and then it clicked that I could use console.log. I used console.log to inspect parts of a working solution to figure out why my first attempt at super fizzbuzz wasn't and then solved it relatively quickly.

3. Reflect on how confident you feel using each of these problem-solving techniques/processes