[4evern00b]

I don't think I've a particularly high IQ, but I am unwilling to let that limit me. What can I do to improve my ability to solve problems and programming innovation?

[Synthx]

I can agree with you on the programming inovation. I can't really think of stuff to make, although I am working on about 2-3 projects atm. So, I would like to see what others say!

[Ecks]

I have always thought of myself as an out of the box thinker and when I started working on electric systems my instructor gave me some advice and tips to help me clear my head and find the problem faster and move past it. These work for all fields, electrical, programming, automotive, whatever.

1. KISS = Keep It Simple Stupid, sounds odd but you will be surprised how often you tend to rely on old stuff to apply it towards new stuff, just keep things simple and clear

2. If it ain't broke, don't fix it = this one really comes in handy, just because there is an issue doesn't mean that it all has to be redone.
((During my state test they removed a fuse from a city bus, told me and my "team" to find the problem and come to a solution, of course we didn't know the issue, so my team began to strip panels and check for shortted wires, exposed wires, etc, etc, while I had noticed that there was in fact a fuse missing in the box, I informed my team of this but they chimed that this was a serious exam, it couldn't be something so trivial. Turns out I was right and we all failed since it was graded as a team. Look for the small stuff before heading into the harder to fix stuff.))

3. Take a break = no seriously, sometimes you just have to clear your head and a solution can sometimes just smack you in the face at the oddest times.

[themakokid]

Make mistakes. We are curious creatures by nature and doing things wrong is one of the best ways to learn how to do it right.

[Asura]

Damn, what Ecks wrote reminds me of an instructor from college. I miss those days.

Regarding IQ, I don't think it determines your ability to problem solve. At least, that's what I think of it. What Ecks wrote is a good example so keep that in mind. The obvious you can do is keep learning and see examples. Learn how the examples work and give it a try. Don't try to cram lots of information at once, take some at a time.

[mothered]

Take a break = no seriously, sometimes you just have to clear your head and a solution can sometimes just smack you in the face at the oddest times.

This ^^^

Speaking from experience, when the mind Is cluttered, It can Impede on one's ability to function and perform effectively. Even a 30 minute break by simply relaxing In complete silence, can make the world of difference.

[Cyb3rNuX]

Problem-solving skills come up with experience. You cannot learn how to solve all kinds of bugs at once, it's not something to learn but something to have experience with.

When i find bug, i go from the beginning and analyze every line of code until i find error. Just simple as that, you train your brain to find errors in your code and prevent you from making them again later. That's gaining experience, and experience is something golden.