Yes, the superstars are productive despite interruptions.
Most programmers, however, aren't superstars, or are vastly more productive superstars when they can work without interruption than even those who can tolerate a highly non-optimal environment.
Some level of task-switching is necessary, but as the other respondent said: this is what a PM or support triage role is for -- figuring out how to schedule stuff for your limited attention without breaking the conditions that contribute to your productivity.
The research behind uninterrupted periods of work is hardly new or novel: The Mythical Man Month, The Psychology of Computer Programming, Peopleware, Flow, and other books span a few decades.
Yes, the superstars are productive despite interruptions.
Most programmers, however, aren't superstars, or are vastly more productive superstars when they can work without interruption than even those who can tolerate a highly non-optimal environment.
Some level of task-switching is necessary, but as the other respondent said: this is what a PM or support triage role is for -- figuring out how to schedule stuff for your limited attention without breaking the conditions that contribute to your productivity.
The research behind uninterrupted periods of work is hardly new or novel: The Mythical Man Month, The Psychology of Computer Programming, Peopleware, Flow, and other books span a few decades.