I've been wondering if there's any pattern to music I listen to while programming. I'm considering if there's any connection between the musical genre and type of programming I'm doing. For instance, sometimes I'm developing something simple but tedious and just want to get it done fast. Other times I'm proofing designs, or implementing complex patterns. Then, there's designing/developing the user-interface which takes a sense of both creativity and structure.
Granted, I understand that musical taste is a major component here. Still, just as there are different types of programming, there are different types of music. By the way, I should probably mention that in my development career, I have met numerous programmers who are also musicians ranging from amateur to professional. Any connection there?
Music I frequently code to:
Classic Rock: Most of it, particularly Led Zeppelin, Uriah Heep, Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, etc. The key for me here is that I have to be familiar enough with the music so as not to be distracted by the lyrics. It seems I'm listening to classic rock when I'm coding something with which I'm familiar.
Various forms of New age: Enigma is a new age group that mixes in some old world elements like Gregorian chants. This is great for coding and particularly when I'm coding a complex design. Check out the sustained electric guitar in "Hello and Welcome" off the A Posteriori album.
I'll listen to harsh fast paced dark electronica when I'm in the groove, so to speak. For some reason it seems to keep my coding pace up. Similarly, certain forms of dark hard-edged rock (maybe even gothic) like Flyleaf. There are other groups, but if I mention them my friends will tell me I'm going to burn in hell.
--- Edit---
Ok, I'll confess, The song "Maneater" by The Retrosic off their God of Hell Album. Simply awesome and guaranteed code performance improvement. Check out the drums about 1/3 into the song.
--- End Edit ----
I'll often code to classical of course, Mozart's Requiem and Vivaldi's Four Seasons being my favorite.
I'll also listen to hymns and praise music. I particularly enjoy the reworking of hymn melodies by groups like Indelible Grace.
I can code to very specific forms of Jazz like Pat Metheny for instance.
Music I cannot code to (nor listen to for that matter):
I've heard programmers say that they like the upbeat rhythms of of dance electronica. This doesn't seem to work for me - it's too repetitive. I end up with code like
while (true)
do something;
Pop - I can't stand this junk with its overly simplistic melodies and cliche lyrics. If anything, this drives me insane and makes me totally unproductive.
Most Contemporary Christian Music for the same reasons I can't listen to pop.
Rap, too repetitive and since many rap lyrics are angry, I'm thinking it would be a bad combination when I'm having a bad code day...or maybe not.
What music do you listen to when coding?