Fast Coding Tips: Code Faster Without Burning Out
What if you could cut your coding time in half without writing worse code? Fast coding isn't about rushing — it's about the right tools, habits, and a few smart tricks you can use today.
Start with your editor. Learn 10 to 15 keyboard shortcuts and stop using the mouse for common actions. Set up code snippets and file templates for repeated patterns. Use an interactive REPL or hot-reload so you can test changes instantly. Install a fast search tool like ripgrep and learn basic regex to find code quickly.
Automate boring steps. Write small scripts for builds, deploys, or test runs. Use a task runner or makefile to run common workflows with one command. Add a formatter and linter to your CI so code style and simple bugs disappear before review. Save time with type hints and static analysis — they point out errors before you run code.
Plan small. Break features into tiny tasks you can finish in an hour or two. Timebox work with focused sessions (try a 45 to 90 minute rhythm) and remove distractions. Close your email, mute notifications, and use one tab per task. Context switching costs real time; guard against it.
Speedy debugging checklist
Debug faster with proven moves. Reproduce bugs in a minimal example, use a debugger with conditional breakpoints, and add clear logs where needed. When performance is a problem, profile first — don’t guess. Profiling shows hotspots so you fix the right thing. Use caching for repeated heavy work.
Reproduce the bug with a minimal test case, add a failing unit test, use conditional breakpoints, inspect variables, profile if slow, bisect commits to find when it started, write a patch and add regression tests. Keep logs concise and timestamped.
Editor and workflow wins
Use version control well. Commit often, push small changes, and use feature branches. Learn git tools like stash, rebase, and bisect; they save hours when history gets messy. Write clear commit messages so you and reviewers know what changed.
Collaborate smarter. Use short code review checklists: functionality, tests, readability, and edge cases. Pair on tricky bugs for 20 to 60 minutes; it’s faster than long back-and-forths. Accept constructive feedback and keep reviews small.
Practice the right habits. Name variables clearly, keep functions short, and aim for one level of abstraction per function. Reuse libraries for common tasks instead of rewriting them. Build small reusable components and templates for future projects.
Use AI, but check its work. Tools that generate code or tests can save time on boilerplate. Always validate suggestions, run tests, and read generated code—AI helps, it doesn't replace thinking.
Editor and workflow wins: learn pane navigation and multi-cursor editing, record macros for repetitive edits, map frequent commands to a hot key, use a terminal and tmux for parallel work, pin commonly used files, and keep a project template with CI, linting, and test stubs.
Try one change today: learn three new editor shortcuts or add an automated test to your CI. Small, consistent improvements compound. Code fast, but code smart.
