Problem Solve Like a Computer Programmer | Kyle Smyth | TEDxRPLCentralLibrary

Summary

This video shares a personal journey of problem-solving and computer programming, starting from a simple diamond-drawing challenge at age 12. The speaker reflects on the importance of understanding problems fully before solving them, drawing parallels to complex real-world issues like software development and personal challenges. By breaking problems into manageable parts, whether in coding or life, the speaker demonstrates how this approach can lead to smarter decisions. Ultimately, the key takeaway is that while not all problems can be solved, breaking them down makes them more manageable and helps lead to meaningful progress.

Takeaways

• 😀 Computers aren’t inherently intelligent — they only follow explicit instructions we give them.
• 🧩 Effective problem solving begins with precisely defining and fully understanding the problem.
• 🔍 Don’t accept superficial solutions; test whether a solution meets the spirit, not just the letter, of the requirement.
• 📐 Break complex problems into small, repeatable pieces and look for simple patterns to build an algorithm.
• 🔁 Many problems can be expressed as mirrored or repeated subproblems (e.g., a diamond as two triangles).
• 💻 A computer treats space as a character, so translating human concepts into exact representations matters.
• ⚖️ Evaluate trade-offs and quantify costs/benefits (e.g., dev hours vs. recurring revenue) before judging decisions.
• 🏃 Reframe constraints to find alternative solutions (e.g., aqua jogging to maintain fitness during injury).
• 🧠 Use the same decomposition approach for abstract issues like anxiety — track small, manageable checks.
• 📈 Small, deliberate improvements compound into large wins — in code, product development, and life.
• 🤝 Delivering on customer needs can build durable relationships and broader product value despite short-term schedule impacts.
• ✅ Work from the bottom up: reduce decisions to yes/no checks, solve the small parts, then assemble the whole.

Q & A

What was the first challenge the instructor, Adam, gave the speaker at the computer camp?

Adam’s first challenge was to draw a diamond on the screen. The speaker completed the task by typing a diamond using spaces and asterisks, but it wasn’t a real programming solution since the computer did no work — it simply displayed what was already created manually.

How did Adam raise the challenge after the initial solution?

Adam upped the challenge by asking the speaker to make the diamond dynamic — the program should ask the user for input, specifically the length of the side of the diamond, and draw it based on that input.

What key insight did the speaker realize when looking at the diamond problem?

The key insight was that a diamond, in the context of programming, is really just a series of spaces and asterisks, and that understanding how spaces and symbols behave in programming allows for breaking down the problem into manageable parts.

Why did the speaker choose not to overcomplicate the solution with advanced geometry?

The speaker realized that while advanced geometry might solve the problem, it would be too complex for such a straightforward task. Instead, the speaker focused on recognizing patterns in the problem that could lead to a simpler, more efficient solution.

What pattern did the speaker observe when drawing the diamond using the side length of 4?

The speaker observed that the number of spaces decreased by one with each line, while the number of stars increased by two. This pattern allowed them to break the problem into smaller, manageable steps.

How does the speaker apply the lesson from drawing the diamond to complex systems like Facebook or SpaceX?

The speaker explains that complex systems like Facebook or SpaceX are made up of many small, manageable problems — much like the diamond problem. By breaking down a large problem into smaller ones, it becomes easier to find a solution.

How did the speaker evaluate the impact of the additional feature they developed for a customer?

The speaker calculated the cost of the project, including development and project management hours, and compared it to the revenue potential from the customer’s recurring deal. The investment seemed worthwhile because of the customer’s long-term value.

What personal challenge did the speaker face that affected their marathon training?

The speaker was diagnosed with a stress fracture, which meant they couldn’t run for 4–6 months, just as they were preparing for their first full marathon. This limited their ability to train effectively.

What innovative solution did the speaker find to continue training despite their injury?

The speaker started aqua jogging, which mimics running in water without putting pressure on the injured leg. This alternative training method allowed them to continue building fitness while recovering.

What is the speaker’s approach to managing anxiety and depression, and how does it relate to problem solving?

The speaker breaks down anxiety and depression into manageable pieces by asking themselves simple yes/no questions, such as whether they slept well or whether they did their training. This approach makes the overwhelming challenge of mental health more manageable, similar to solving complex problems in programming.