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Enhancing Productivity as an Engineering Manager through LLMs and Structured Development

Using LLMs and Cursor to become a finisher 🔗

Struggling to finish side projects due to limited time? In my latest blog post, I share how I improved my productivity using AI tools like LLMs and Cursor IDE. Learn to refine specs, bootstrap code, and iterate effectively to rapidly build and deploy your projects—even with a busy schedule.

Transitioning from a programming role to an Engineering Manager, the author continued to pursue side projects but struggled with completing them due to time constraints. In 2024, they became more productive, leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) and the Cursor IDE to efficiently create and deploy several projects, including tools for JSON formatting and habit tracking. The author emphasizes a structured approach to project development, starting with clear specifications refined through LLMs, followed by iterative coding and deployment practices. This method not only boosts productivity but also maintains motivation by facilitating quick progress on projects.

What tools does the author use to enhance productivity in coding?

The author uses Large Language Models (LLMs) and the Cursor IDE to streamline coding processes and increase efficiency in project completion.

How does the author approach project specifications?

They start by using LLMs to refine application specifications, which helps in scoping the project and providing a detailed plan for development.

Why is it important to break tasks into smaller iterations?

Breaking tasks into smaller iterations allows for manageable changes, easier debugging, and helps avoid overwhelming the coding process, making it easier to apply updates and improvements.

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