Developer Productivity Tips

Productivity isn’t about working more hours. It’s about removing friction and focusing on what matters.

Keyboard Over Mouse

Every trip to the mouse costs time. Learn shortcuts:

Essential IDE Shortcuts

Terminal Shortcuts

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

# Bash
Ctrl+R  # Search history
Ctrl+A  # Start of line
Ctrl+E  # End of line
Ctrl+W  # Delete word backward
!!      # Repeat last command
!$      # Last argument of previous command

Automate Repetitive Tasks

If you do it twice, automate it:

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

# ~/.bashrc
alias gs='git status'
alias gc='git commit'
alias gp='git push'
alias dc='docker-compose'
alias k='kubectl'

# Functions for complex tasks
mkcd() { mkdir -p "$1" && cd "$1"; }

Master Your Editor

Invest time in your primary tool:

• Learn multi-cursor editing
• Use snippets for boilerplate
• Configure linting and formatting
• Set up debugging properly

Reduce Context Switching

Context switching is expensive:

• Batch similar tasks
• Close unnecessary tabs/apps
• Use “Do Not Disturb” for focus time
• Check email/Slack at set times

Use the Right Tool

Documentation Habit

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

# Quick Notes Template

## What I'm trying to do

## What I've tried

## What worked

## What to remember

Future you will thank present you.

Learn to Search

# Google effectively
"exact phrase"
site:stackoverflow.com
-exclude
filetype:pdf

# GitHub
filename:config.yml
language:python
path:src/

Take Breaks

Pomodoro technique:

1. Work 25 minutes
2. Break 5 minutes
3. Every 4 cycles, longer break

Your brain needs rest to solve hard problems.

Energy Management

Align tasks with energy:

• High energy: Complex problem solving
• Medium energy: Code reviews, meetings
• Low energy: Admin tasks, emails

Continuous Learning

• Read one technical article daily
• Build side projects
• Teach what you learn
• Attend (or watch) conference talks

Summary

1. Minimize friction (keyboard shortcuts, aliases)
2. Automate repetitive work
3. Protect focus time
4. Use the right tools
5. Document as you go
6. Take care of yourself

Small improvements compound. Start with one habit and build from there.