The Best Coding Tricks Every Developer Should Know

🧠 1. Learn Keyboard Shortcuts and IDE Features

Your code editor is your best friend – know it inside out.
Learn shortcuts for commenting, refactoring, formatting, and navigating between files.

Example:

In VS Code:
- Ctrl + / → Comment/Uncomment line
- Alt + Click → Multiple cursors
- Ctrl + P → Quick file search

You’ll be amazed at how much time you save.

⚙️ 2. Use Code Snippets

Save reusable pieces of code like form validators, API calls, or utility functions.
Most editors allow you to create custom snippets, saving hours of repetitive typing.

Example (JavaScript snippet):

// Fetch data from API
async function fetchData(url) {
  const res = await fetch(url);
  return await res.json();
}

🔄 3. Keep Your Code DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself)

Repetition leads to bugs.
If you find yourself copying and pasting the same logic in multiple places, make it a function, class, or module.

Example:
Instead of validating email in five different files – create one validateEmail() function and reuse it everywhere.

🧩 4. Use Version Control (Git) – Always

Even if you’re coding alone, use Git.
It’s not just about backups – it’s about tracking your progress, collaborating safely, and reverting mistakes.

git init
git add .
git commit -m "Initial project setup"

Push it to GitHub – your future self will thank you.

⚡ 5. Debug Smarter, Not Harder

Instead of adding random console.log() statements everywhere, learn how to use breakpoints and debug tools in your IDE.
They help you step through code logically and understand where things go wrong.

🧼 6. Write Clean, Readable Code

Use clear names for variables and functions.
Keep functions short and focused.
Add comments only where necessary.
Format your code properly – tools like Prettier or Black can automate this.

Readable code is better than clever code.

🔐 7. Automate Repetitive Tasks

Use scripts or automation tools (like npm scripts, bash scripts, or Python automation) to speed up routine tasks like builds, deployments, or testing.

🚀 8. Keep Learning and Refactoring

Good developers constantly refine their old code.
As you learn new techniques, revisit your projects and improve logic, readability, and performance.

✅ Final Thoughts

Coding isn’t just about solving problems – it’s about solving them elegantly.
Mastering small tricks like these helps you work smarter, build cleaner projects, and become a better developer every day.

Keep coding. Keep improving. 💻🔥