Learn more about problemsolving with this collection
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What is the XY problem?
The XY problem is asking about your attempted solution rather than your actual problem . This leads to wasted time and energy for both the people asking for help and those providing help.
- User wants to do X.
- User doesn't know how to do X, but thinks they can fumble their way to a solution by doing Y.
- User doesn't know how to do Y either.
- User asks for help with Y.
- Others try to help with Y, but are confused because Y seems like a strange problem to solve.
- Finally, after much interaction, it becomes clear that the user really wants help with X, and that Y wasn't even a suitable solution for X.
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How to avoid the XY problem
- Always include information about a broader picture along with any attempted solution.
- If someone asks for more information, do provide details.
- If there are other solutions you've already ruled out, share why you've ruled them out. This gives more information about your requi...
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IDEAS CURATED BY
Alt account of @ocp. I use it to stash ideas about software engineering
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