For me, writing code is a way of thinking, and often the best way of thinking about a problem or question, or to start conceptualizing an entire project, is to write some running code as a sketch, a rough draft, a prototype.
If it has any merit, the running code informs the planning and decision-making process, stimulates thought and discussion. Parts of the draft, or even the whole thing, can be transformed, rewritten or refined, and become the basis of the solution and product.
Of course it depends on the goal and nature of the question. Sometimes it's better to talk and think things through in human language, deeply and thoroughly, before writing any code. It could be that the best solution is no code at all, to use an off-the-shelf product or service.
About "throwing away" code.. Imagine a musician with thousands of hours of playing, practice, informal or private performances and recordings - including piles of sketches and rough drafts that will never see the light of day. Only the best selection will be curated for the public, to make it into the final product. But the 99% that are "thrown away" was not a waste of time, they were a necessary part of the creative process to achieve the good stuff.
If it has any merit, the running code informs the planning and decision-making process, stimulates thought and discussion. Parts of the draft, or even the whole thing, can be transformed, rewritten or refined, and become the basis of the solution and product.
Of course it depends on the goal and nature of the question. Sometimes it's better to talk and think things through in human language, deeply and thoroughly, before writing any code. It could be that the best solution is no code at all, to use an off-the-shelf product or service.
About "throwing away" code.. Imagine a musician with thousands of hours of playing, practice, informal or private performances and recordings - including piles of sketches and rough drafts that will never see the light of day. Only the best selection will be curated for the public, to make it into the final product. But the 99% that are "thrown away" was not a waste of time, they were a necessary part of the creative process to achieve the good stuff.