Proven Tricks to Code Faster, Use AI Smart, and Get More Done
Want quick wins that actually change your day? Here are proven tricks you can use now for coding, AI work, and general productivity.
Code Faster: small habits that cut time
Pick three focused habits and apply them. First, learn your editor shortcuts and automate repetitive tasks with snippets and macros. Second, use small, fast tests instead of large integration runs while developing. Third, break problems into tiny functions and write one test per function. These habits reduce context switches and make debugging faster.
Use AI the right way
Treat AI like a helper, not an oracle. Start prompts with clear goals and required output format. Keep examples short. Validate outputs with quick unit checks or human review. Automate routine tasks like code scaffolding, tests, or draft emails but always review before shipping.
Debugging is a skill. Reproduce issues reliably, add logging focused on cause, use binary search with commits to find regressions, and write failing tests before fixes to prevent repeats.
Stop multitasking. Timebox work into 60 to 90 minute blocks with a single clear goal. Remove notifications for those blocks. Use a short review at block end to capture notes, next steps, and one small win.
Pick one focused learning path. For coding, master a single language workflow and common libraries. For AI, learn prompt engineering basics and model limits. Build tiny projects that solve real problems and ship them.
Quick checklist: use editor shortcuts, write small tests, prompt clearly, validate AI output, timebox work, and ship minimal features. Review this list weekly and remove one low-value item.
These proven tricks are quick to try. Pick two and use them for one week. Track time saved and errors cut. Adjust what sticks and drop what slows you down.
Example coding trick: create a test skeleton snippet that generates file, imports, and one assert. Trigger it with a key. You save minutes per file and get consistent structure.
Prompt template: start with role, goal, input format, and one example. Ask for short output and testable code. That reduces garbage answers and speeds review.
Measure results: use a simple spreadsheet to log tasks, time before trick, and time after. After two weeks you will see patterns. If a trick saves more than ten minutes per task and you do that task often, keep it.
Share tricks in short demos, create a one-page cheat sheet, and run a monthly 10-minute swap show. Small wins spread fast when visible.
Avoid over-automation. If a script or prompt hides mistakes or reduces learning, pause and fix the root cause. Automation should amplify good habits, not replace them.
Try one trick from coding, one from AI, and one productivity tweak this week. Track time, share results with your team, and iterate. Explore related posts under this tag for step-by-step guides, real examples, and quick templates you can copy. Start small, measure impact, and keep what works. Share one win and inspire others to try.
