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 project as an example

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The document discusses key characteristics of programming thinking, including problem decomposition, building a minimum viable product (MVP), step-by-step testing, automation, and logging. It uses the example of extracting trip data from a "Didi" ride-sharing PDF to illustrate these concepts. 1. **Problem Decomposition**: The author identifies the cumbersome task of copying trip details from a PDF to a reimbursement system and realizes this is a job better suited for a program. 2. **Building an MVP**: Using the AI programming tool Trea, the author quickly develops a program to extract relevant data from the PDF and output it into a structured Excel file. 3. **Step-by-Step Testing**: The author iteratively refines the program, ensuring the output meets specific formatting requirements and sorting criteria. 4. **Automation**: The final program automates the data extraction process, saving time and reducing errors in future reimbursements. 5. **Logging**: The author notes the importance of logging in programming, using Git for version control and documenting the process as a form of logging. In conclusion, programming thinking is presented as a valuable approach in problem-solving, applicable beyond coding to enhance efficiency and understanding in various tasks.

1. Characteristics of Programming Thinking#

  • Problem Decomposition

    • Break down big 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 tasks are not human strengths; it's more suitable to hand them over to 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.

Upon reflection, shouldn't this be the kind of task 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, then output it to a fixed template Excel sheet.

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 PDF file of a Didi trip receipt 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, 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, it wrote the preliminary code and produced the desired output. This made it much easier for me to copy the required data from the terminal. Of course, this is definitely not the final result I want.

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 your output Excel file according to the Excel file I provided.

Soon, the Excel format I wanted was achieved.

However, there were still some aspects of the output Excel that did not meet my requirements. I wanted the entries in the output Excel to be sorted in chronological order by start date and time. I gave the AI another request:

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

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

2.4 Automation#

This program is an automated way to help me get relief from the complicated task of filling out trip receipts. Although it took dozens of minutes for constant adjustments, consuming time for reimbursement filling, it will definitely save me a lot of trouble in subsequent work.

2.5 Logging#

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

This article is also a log of my attempt.

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 our review of solution steps and better summarization of experiences...

4. By the Way#

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

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