"If you're still spending more time switching tools than actually coding, we need to talk."
Hey devs! I wanted to share something that's genuinely changed my daily workflow. After years of trying different setups and productivity "hacks," I've finally found a combination of AI tools that actually makes sense - and no, this isn't another productivity guru post promising to make you code in your sleep.
Let me break down what's working for me:
Cursor has become my main editor, and it's not just because it looks nice. The Tab feature has seriously changed how I write and navigate code. It's surprisingly intuitive, and once you get used to it, you'll wonder how you coded without it.
For implementing new features, I've been using Cline. Look, I was skeptical at first - aren't we all tired of tools promising to "revolutionize" our workflow? But it's actually useful, especially when you're working on well-defined features that need consistent implementation.
Now, for brainstorming and project planning, Claude has been invaluable. Whether I'm stuck on system design or need to think through a complex feature, having an AI that can keep up with technical discussions and challenge my assumptions has been surprisingly helpful.
The real MVP for bulk changes? Aider. If you've ever had to update similar patterns across multiple files (and who hasn't?), you know the pain. Aider just handles it. No fuss, no muss.
For UI/UX work (yes, we all have to do it sometimes), Kodu AI has been a solid companion. It helps bridge that gap between "I know what I want" and "I know how to make it look good."
Here's the thing - I know there's some skepticism about using AI tools in development. I had the same doubts. But these aren't replacing our skills; they're just handling the tedious parts so we can focus on the interesting problems. It's like having a really efficient assistant who happens to be good at the things you find boring.
I'm curious though - what's your take on AI in your dev workflow? Are you using any of these tools, or have you found better alternatives? Drop your thoughts below - always looking to learn from other devs' experiences.
PS: If you want to try any of these tools, start with one and gradually add others. No need to overhaul your entire workflow overnight.
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