Publish post about the "5 Whys" in problem-solving

Making sure that more people know about the "5 whys" and why it is
important to understand the problem before solving it.

/blog/2024/07/power-of-why-in-problem-solving
2024-07-01

Author: vincic

_posts/2024/07/2024-07-01-power-of-why-in-problem-solving.md

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+---
+layout: post
+title: The power of "Why" in problem-solving
+tags: [problem-solving, software development]
+date: 2024/07/01
+comments: true
+permalink: /blog/2024/07/power-of-why-in-problem-solving
+---
+
+As software developers, we often jump straight into solving problems with code. But sometimes, the best solution isn't about how to code something - it's about questioning why we're coding it in the first place.
+
+# The 5 Whys technique
+
+![The 5 Whys](/images/5x-why.webp)
+
+One powerful technique I've found invaluable is the "[5 Whys](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_whys)" method. Originally developed by [Sakichi Toyoda](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sakichi_Toyoda) for Toyota, this approach involves asking "Why?" repeatedly to dig deeper into the root cause of a problem.
+
+Here's how it works in software development:
+
+1. Start with the problem statement.
+2. Ask "Why is this a problem?"
+3. Take the answer and ask "Why?" again.
+4. Repeat at least 5 times or until you reach the core issue.
+
+This process often reveals that the initial problem isn't what truly needs solving. Sometimes, it even shows that no code is needed at all!
+
+# Removing code as a solution
+
+One of the best solutions in coding can be to remove code. This might sound counterintuitive, but unnecessary complexity is a major source of bugs and maintenance headaches. By thoroughly understanding the "why" behind a problem, we can often simplify our codebase or even eliminate entire features that aren't serving a real purpose.
+
+# Finding the right solution
+
+Once you've established that code is indeed necessary, knowing the "why" helps immensely in choosing the right approach. It allows you to:
+
+1. Scope the problem accurately
+2. Choose a solution that fits the timeframe
+3. Implement something that's "good enough" without over-engineering
+
+Remember, the goal isn't always to create the most elegant or comprehensive solution. Often, it's about solving the core problem efficiently and effectively.
+
+By focusing on "why" before "how," we can create leaner, more purposeful code that truly addresses the needs of our users and stakeholders.