Playbook of Tips For AI Coding #1

Essential tips and best practices for coding with AI assistants to maximize productivity.

playbook of tips for ai coding

this is my simple guide. how i code with ai. how i keep it clear, fast, and real.

pattern 1 write things down first

ai is only as good as the context you give it.

• make one doc for each project goal, architecture, naming rules, priorities
• keep it short. update after big changes
• think of it like onboarding a new teammate

pattern 2 plan before code

start with a chat, not code.

• agree on requirements and user flow
• pick a simple architecture
• split mvp vs nice to have

prompts

flowchart LR

R[requirements chat] --> A[arch snapshot]

A --> M[mvp vs later]

pattern 3 build in small chunks

one chat = one feature.

• short conversations stay focused
• start a new chat when the topic changes
• if a chat gets long, start fresh with a short brief

prompt to brief a new chat

pattern 4 use git like a seatbelt

• one branch per feature or fix
• test locally before commit
• write clear commit messages

commit message example

pattern 5 review ai code fast

before you accept code, check

• does it solve the exact problem
• will it break something else
• inputs validated, secrets safe
• any obvious performance issues

prompt to ask for clarity

pattern 6 use multiple ai “lanes” when needed

for bigger work, split lanes

• lane 1 frontend ui
• lane 2 backend api + db
• lane 3 tests + debugging

keep shared docs so names and patterns match.

pattern 7 debug like a pro

be specific.

• show the exact error
• say what you expected

prompt

add logs, test a hypothesis, repeat.

pattern 8 scale without stress

• keep a short decision log (why we chose things)
• refactor weekly remove duplicates, tidy files

pattern 9 mindset

ai accelerates. you direct.

• be the editor and the director
• be specific
• iterate quickly ask, test, adjust

pattern 10 context that fits

• keep a 1‑page project brief and link it every chat
• use surgical snippets, not whole files
• after changes, refresh the brief

prompt

pattern 11 code contracts first

• write types/interfaces and api shapes before logic
• your ai follows the contract and stays consistent

prompt

pattern 12 observable by default

• add logs, metrics, and simple traces while building
• makes debugging 10x easier later

prompt

pattern 13 feature flags and safe rollout

• ship behind a flag, test on yourself first
• flip on gradually

prompt

pattern 14 rollback ready

• tiny commits + tags mean easy undo

prompt

pattern 15 cost and quota awareness

• cache, batch, and rate limit external calls

prompt

pattern 16 dependency hygiene

• pin versions, avoid heavy libs for simple needs

prompt

pattern 17 env and secrets sanity

• .env.example always, no secrets in code

prompt

pattern 18 accessibility by habit

• keyboard nav, labels, contrast, focus states

prompt

pattern 19 i18n from day one (lightweight)

• keep copy in a simple messages file

prompt

pattern 20 analytics that matter

• log one success metric per feature

prompt

pattern 21 cache the boring stuff

• memoize expensive ui bits, cache hot api reads

prompt

pattern 22 happy paths + sharp edges

• always ship loading, empty, error states

prompt

pattern 23 smoke tests before deploy

• 5‑minute checklist catches most issues

prompt

pattern 24 refactor rhythm

• schedule a weekly 30‑minute clean‑up

prompt

pattern 25 team brief, not a novel

• update the team in bullets, not essays

prompt

pattern 26 agent‑friendly tasks

• describe tasks with inputs, outputs, done signal

prompt

pattern 27 prompt once, reuse everywhere

• keep a prompts.md and reuse winners

prompt

pattern 28 prod parity locally

• use seed data and env parity to avoid surprises

prompt

pattern 29 golden path docs

• one readme section that tells a new dev how to ship in 15 minutes

prompt

pattern 30 keep copy human

• plain language in ui. helpful errors. no jargon

prompt

ultra‑focused “one‑liner” prompts (speed mode)

wrap‑up

these prompts and patterns are how i work every day simple, direct, and fast. copy, paste, ship. then improve.

start small. keep it simple. ship. then improve. that’s how i work every day.

how i (the ManasFlow team) actually do it

• i run discovery, scope clearly, and keep docs tiny and current
• i build mvp first. nice to have goes later
• i prefer next.js + typescript + tailwind + supabase + vercel for speed
• i keep chats short. one feature at a time
• i branch for every change. tiny commits. clear messages
• i review ai output fast. security, inputs, and performance first
• i share what works on linkedin with real examples

copy‑paste starters (useful prompts)

final thought

visuals mermaid for key patterns

big picture everything at a glance

power prompts 3.0 stronger, clearer, faster

use these as drop‑ins. each one is terse, specific, and built for speed.

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