Developer Productivity Tips
Mar 10, 24
                    
                  Being productive as a developer isn’t just about writing more code. It’s about working smarter, not harder. Here are 10 tips that have transformed my workflow.
⌨️ 1. Master Your Keyboard
Stop reaching for the mouse! Learn keyboard shortcuts for:
- Your IDE/editor
 - Terminal commands
 - Operating system navigation
 
Time saved: 30+ minutes daily
🚀 2. Use Alfred/Raycast (Mac) or PowerToys (Windows)
Launcher apps are game-changers:
- Quick app switching
 - Snippet expansion
 - Clipboard history
 - Quick calculations
 
⏱️ 3. Pomodoro Technique
Work in focused 25-minute sprints:
- Work for 25 minutes
 - Take a 5-minute break
 - Every 4 pomodoros, take a longer break
 
🤖 4. Automate Repetitive Tasks
If you do it more than twice, automate it:
- Shell scripts for common workflows
 - Git aliases for frequent commands
 - Snippets for boilerplate code
 
🙅 5. Learn to Say No
Your time is valuable. Protect it:
- Decline unnecessary meetings
 - Batch similar tasks
 - Set boundaries for deep work time
 
🧠 6. Use a Second Brain
Don’t rely on memory:
- Document solutions to problems
 - Keep a learning journal
 - Use tools like Notion or Obsidian
 
🛋️ 7. Optimize Your Environment
🪑 Physical Space
- Good chair and desk
 - Proper lighting
 - Minimal distractions
 
💻 Digital Space
- Clean desktop
 - Organized project folders
 - Efficient window management
 
📈 8. Practice Incremental Improvements
Small daily improvements compound:
- Learn one new shortcut per week
 - Refactor one piece of code daily
 - Read 10 pages of technical content
 
🧘 9. Take Regular Breaks
Productivity isn’t about non-stop work:
- Stand up every hour
 - Look away from screen (20-20-20 rule)
 - Take walking breaks
 
📚 10. Invest in Learning
Stay sharp and motivated:
- Follow industry trends
 - Learn new technologies
 - Contribute to open source
 
🗓️ Bonus: My Daily Routine
6:00 AM - Wake up, review goals
6:30 AM - Deep work session (no distractions)
9:00 AM - Check messages, meetings
12:00 PM - Lunch break + walk
1:00 PM - Collaborative work
3:00 PM - Code reviews, documentation
5:00 PM - Learning time
6:00 PM - Done for the day!
                Remember: Productivity is personal. Experiment with these tips and find what works for you!
What’s your favorite productivity tip? Share in the comments!