How to Use AI Coding Tools to Automate Your Daily Tasks in 2 Hours

As an experienced developer, you know that time is your most precious resource. Juggling multiple projects, debugging code, and keeping up with new technologies can feel overwhelming. Enter AI coding tools—your potential new best friend in automation. In just two hours, you can leverage these tools to streamline your daily tasks and boost your productivity.

Here’s how to get started.

Prerequisites

Before diving in, make sure you have the following:

• A coding environment set up (e.g., VS Code, IntelliJ)
• An account with at least one AI coding tool (we'll cover several options)
• Basic knowledge of the programming languages you use daily

Step-by-Step: Automating Your Tasks

1. Identify Repetitive Tasks

First, list out the daily tasks that eat up your time. Common examples include:

• Writing boilerplate code
• Debugging
• Code reviews
• Generating documentation

2. Choose Your AI Tools

Here’s a rundown of AI coding tools that can help automate these tasks.

| Tool Name | Pricing | Best For | Limitations | Our Take | |-----------------------|-------------------------|--------------------------------|--------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------| | GitHub Copilot | $10/mo | Code completion | Limited context awareness | We use this for generating boilerplate code. | | Tabnine | Free, Pro at $12/mo | Code suggestions | Can miss context in large files | Great for quick suggestions, but not perfect. | | Codeium | Free for basic use | Multi-language support | Some features locked behind Pro | Good for diverse coding, but lacks depth. | | Replit | Free tier + $20/mo Pro | Collaborative coding | Limited to Replit environment | We don't use this for production code. | | Sourcery | Free with paid plans | Code quality improvements | Limited language support | Helps us clean up messy code quickly. | | Ponic | $29/mo | Automated testing | Not as robust as alternatives | We tried it but found it lacking in features. | | Codex | $0-100/mo | Custom AI applications | Pricing can get steep | We use this for specific use cases. | | Kite | Free, Pro at $19.90/mo | Python coding | Limited to Python | Excellent for Python, but not versatile. | | DeepCode | Free, $50/mo for Pro | Advanced code analysis | Slower feedback | Use it for security checks; worth the investment.| | AI Dungeon | Free tier + $15/mo Pro | Creative coding | Not practical for serious projects | Fun to play with, but not for production work. | | Codex AI | $30/mo | Full-scale application coding | Learning curve for setup | Powerful but requires investment in time. |

3. Set Up Your Tools

Once you’ve chosen your tools, it’s time to configure them:

• Install necessary plugins for your IDE.
• Connect to your repositories if needed.
• Customize settings based on your workflow preferences.

4. Automate Key Processes

Now, let’s automate some of those identified tasks:

• Boilerplate Code: Use GitHub Copilot or Tabnine to generate starter code.
• Code Reviews: Implement Sourcery to suggest improvements.
• Testing: Set up Ponic to run automated tests on your codebase.

5. Monitor and Optimize

After automation, keep track of your productivity. Use tools like Toggl or Clockify to measure how much time you save. Adjust your tool settings based on your workflow to maximize efficiency.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Tool Conflicts: If you notice tools interfering with each other, try disabling one temporarily to see if performance improves.
• Inaccurate Suggestions: Be prepared to refine AI suggestions manually. AI tools can sometimes misinterpret context, especially in larger codebases.

What's Next?

Once you’re comfortable with these tools, explore more advanced features such as:

• Integrating with CI/CD pipelines
• Setting up custom scripts using Codex
• Experimenting with different AI tools to find the best fit for your workflow

Conclusion: Start Here

To kickstart your automation journey, I recommend starting with GitHub Copilot for its robust code completion features and Tabnine for quick suggestions. Together, they can dramatically reduce the time you spend on repetitive tasks.

In our experience, investing just two hours into setting these tools up can yield significant long-term productivity gains.