I've noticed that while there have been discussions over a wide range of programming issues we haven't really taken a look (from what I've seen at least) at one of the most important aspects of programming. It is a matter that has concerned software engineers since they first came up with the vacuum tube. A problem that has plagued us far more than any argument on programming style or design methodology. I would like to ask for everyone's opinion on this very important issue...

What is the most efficient way/dosage to stay high on large amounts of caffeine/your tonic of preference when coding? 

DOA:

What is the most efficient way/dosage to stay high on large amounts of caffeine/your tonic of preference when coding?

Straight caffiene pills -- 200mg. One every 2 hours.

AbbydonKrafts:

Straight caffiene pills -- 200mg. One every 2 hours.

Please note that Abby also abuses nicotine and requires all kinds of other meds to "take the edge off", so straight caffeine pills might be a tad harmful. 

morbiuswilters:

Please note that Abby also abuses nicotine and requires all kinds of other meds to "take the edge off", so straight caffeine pills might be a tad harmful.

lolz.

 

I drink tea.

But as I walk by, people at the office, looking in my cup, wonder if I suddenly began drinking coffee.

No, I have not.

That's tea.

DOA:

What is the most efficient way/dosage to stay high on large amounts of caffeine/your tonic of preference when coding? 

I find that uncut cocaine does the job nicely.

AbbydonKrafts:

DOA:

What is the most efficient way/dosage to stay high on large amounts of caffeine/your tonic of preference when coding?

Straight caffiene pills -- 200mg. One every 2 hours.

Variation on the theme: I "liberated" a small container of caffeine powder (IIRC we were supposed to dissolve it and use it as a fluorescent marker) from the chemistry labs at Uni, which I dissolved and added to drinks throughout the following months.

A couple of months ago, I noticed I was too tolerant, so I cut back my intake slowly, so that I can now get the effects again for use during exams.

 i prefer V, it's sold in australia but i'm not sure about anywhere else, i certainly haven't been able to find it in Nepal or S/E Asia anywhere.  It's pretty nice, sort of the same idea as western red bull but doesn't taste really bad, ie bubbly and served cold. 

+ just the right amount of weed and maybe some pharmacutical grade amphetamines also helps

element[0]:

 i prefer V, it's sold in australia but i'm not sure about anywhere else, i certainly haven't been able to find it in Nepal or S/E Asia anywhere.  It's pretty nice, sort of the same idea as western red bull but doesn't taste really bad, ie bubbly and served cold. 

+ just the right amount of weed and maybe some pharmacutical grade amphetamines also helps

V... isn't that the weird drink that Arnie promoted in some weird Japanese commercials? "BWAIN!!!"

My preferred method is coffee. Though I remember that in college, one of our friends had some weird coffee brew that gave everyone who drank it a high on caffeine, so that would be better!

Physics Phil:

A couple of months ago, I noticed I was too tolerant, so I cut back my intake slowly, so that I can now get the effects again for use during exams.

That and the crashing are the main drawbacks. I always sleep for an hour or two as soon as I get home.

bstorer:

DOA:

What is the most efficient way/dosage to stay high on large amounts of caffeine/your tonic of preference when coding? 

I find that uncut cocaine does the job nicely.

 

Honestly, is there any other kind?

Since I destroyed my expresso maker in a drunken mishap, I usually get a couple coffees downtown, 2 shots in 16 oz.  I used to hit the foosh mints pretty hard (from think geek) though I rarely use the caffinated soap anymore.  If I need to do an all nighter I mix it up with soda and energy drinks - can't stay on one caffiene source without feeling a bit burned out.  I heard grapefruit juice helps slow the metabolization of caffiene and "evens out the buzz" but I haven't really tried it.  I've also read that sugar and caffiene taken together has focus enchancing properties not found in just caffiene or sugar alone, if that helps.

BeenThere:

I've also read that sugar and caffiene taken together has focus enchancing properties not found in just caffiene or sugar alone, if that helps.

Very, very true. I once drank 2 expresso cups, followed by Coca-Cola ... and whoopee! 15 minutes later, I went from "very sleepy" into "Stitch mode". Long-lasting effect too, that high kept me awake and doing stuff very fast for the next 4 hours.

 Just a note about studying with caffiene as an aide:  The retention enchancing effects only apply if you both learn then access while hopped up on caffiene.  If you study while twitching then take an exam when not, or visa versa, the recall is not as effecient as being caffiene free for both learn/recall activities.  At least this is all according to articles I've read on the topic, which quoted studies but I never verified them.

Just to be sure--

you guys are all kidding when you say you take extra stuff to stay sharp, right?

I substitute coke for water. Two liters a day keeps the sandman away.

Renan "C#" Sousa:

I substitute coke for water. Two liters a day keeps the sandman away.

But not the stoneman.  As in "kidney stone".

 

Enjoy peeing blood. 

dhromed:

Just to be sure--

you guys are all kidding when you say you take extra stuff to stay sharp, right?

THe guys who said cocaine, weed, and speed are all joking (for that way lies the path to the swamp shack), but from my experience of geeks, a high caffeine intake is perfectly normal. Don't worry, those of us who have added pure caffeine to things know what we are doing, and have the sense to dilute it thoroughly. (Kids, don't try this at home - an overdose could kill you.)

Physics Phil:

THe guys who said cocaine, weed, and speed are all joking...

You really think there aren't a few people here who might enjoy recreational marijuana and cocaine?  You're probably right about the meth, though.. 

morbiuswilters:

You really think there aren't a few people here who might enjoy recreational marijuana and cocaine?

I forgot about JB, who says he has smoked marijuana ion his website, and I did refer to Swampy, who has repeatedly admitted to it, but I was mainly thinking of the non-troll population, who at least don't seem too badly affected. Also, neitehr would be a very efficeint source of alertness, since their effects would be somewhat distracting, so even if they used them, they wouldn't be using them to stay sharp.

 

Physics Phil:

THe guys who said cocaine, weed, and speed are all joking

kinda, during uni when i was trying to work 35 hours a week to pay rent, eat, drink + 30 or so hours of uni work i would from time to time hit the speed to get that assignment done by monday morning.  if you get the nice grade white stuff it doesn't mess with your head and just keeps you awake.  In small doses amphetamines greatly increase energy and concentration, although the consumption needs to be sensible, you know, little bumps every now and then over the course of the night to stop you from falling asleep at your desk, too much and you'll be bouncing off the walls and won't get anything done.

weeds always good for when coding is done for the day. 

danixdefcon5:

V... isn't that the weird drink that Arnie promoted in some weird Japanese commercials? "BWAIN!!!"

 

not sure, in australia they have some really shit adds with some cgi insects in them, it's in a bright green can in that 250ml size like western red bull

man i miss it though, my girlfriend is coming to malaysia in a week or so to visit me and i'm getting her to bring a sixpack with her

I vote chocolate-coated coffee beans. Tasty.

I have a mug of hot tea (Fortnum & Mason, either [English] Breakfast or Irish Breakfast).  Then during lunch I have a 12 oz. can of Coca-Cola.  On the weekends I might have more, just because restaurants generally do the free refill thing.  Although I'm a USian, I learned to love good hot tea during my honeymoon in London.  Emphasis on good, mind.  Lipton just doesn't cut it.

 

Being a Southerner by birth, though, Lipton, or , preferably Luzianne, do excel at making sweet tea, aka iced tea where sugar is added while it is still warm.  Mmmmm, sweet tea, might have to make me some this afternoon, what with temps up to 94 F (aka 34 C).

AbbydonKrafts:

Straight caffiene pills -- 200mg. One every 2 hours.

I have vivid memories from every year at uni of seeing new students discover nodoze tablets, go to town on them, and then a short while later swear off them completly when their system was screwed over by too much caffeine and not enough rest and nutrition.

I find that I get the best concentration through light exercise, a good diet and plenty of sleep. Being well rested beats taking stimulants over the long run.

DOA:

What is the most efficient way/dosage to stay high on large amounts of caffeine/your tonic of preference when coding?

 

I get to upset when drinking caffeine (coffe and cola alike), so I take large amounts of sugar ...

Mostly chocolate or jelly-beans ... Dosage : cca 100 g every 2-4 h ...

Nelle:

I get to upset when drinking caffeine (coffe and cola alike), so I take large amounts of sugar ...

Mostly chocolate or jelly-beans ... Dosage : cca 100 g every 2-4 h ...

Doesn't this result in obesity and diabetes, though?