TLDR: The XY Problem and How to Avoid It

Date: 2025-05-22 Source: https://arpitbhayani.me/blogs/dont-fall-for-xy-problem-ask-right-questions

Overview

We often focus on the wrong problem when asking for help. Instead of describing what we actually want to achieve, we end up asking about a side issue, i.e., instead of asking about X, we end up asking about Y.

Key Points

• say what you are really trying to do
• don’t assume your solution is the only way
• explain the full problem, not just the code snippet

Takeaway

Focus on the real problem, not your first guess at the solution, and that’s how you get better answers and solve the right issue.