I've been struggling to keep my web projects moving at a decent pace, sometimes spending 3-4 days just to build a single page. Dashboards or animations often take even longer. Setting up the backend with authentication, CRUD functionality, and basic features can take an additional 4-5 days. I've tried using component libraries, but they usually don't fit my needs or are tough to customize. Copying components from CodePen hasn't been a huge time-saver either; I end up spending more time searching for the right pieces than actually coding. Modifying someone else's code to fit my UI often takes just as long as starting from scratch. AI tools haven't been great for me either, as I struggle to get the desired output and often waste time in the process. Plus, planning and structuring the backend can take ages. I'm using Vue, Nuxt, Nest, PostgreSQL, Drizzle, and recently started Linear for managing tasks. I'm still pretty new to this—only about a year of experience—so I'm looking for any tips from seasoned developers on how to speed up my workflow and improve my project turnaround time. What am I missing? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
8 Answers
Practice is key. At the beginning, everything feels slow, but with enough repetitions, coding becomes second nature. Focus on building smaller components and mastering each part. Over time, this will make you more efficient and help you solve problems faster.
The key is to keep improving your skills. As you gain experience, your speed will naturally increase. Stick with it!
I’ve built my own framework for faster development, and it's really helped. But remember, frameworks can be tricky to maintain. It does take time initially to set up, though, so weigh your options carefully before diving in.
Just so you know, setting up authentication and CRUD in a web app can vary significantly in time based on the specifics of your project. It sounds like you’re already invested in this path, so don't get discouraged if it feels like a lot right now. Each developer works on different aspects, so you should find your niche.
Yeah, but as a web developer, these backend tasks are part of the gig, right? I've put in a lot of time already; switching paths isn't ideal.
As a beginner, I’ve fixed my issue by cutting down on distractions completely. Reducing social media and other interruptions can really enhance focus and drive productivity. It’s a major game-changer!
You really need a clear project plan before you start coding. I recommend using flowcharts or tools like Figma to visualize your project structure. Planning helps you avoid getting stuck mid-development.
What tools do you find most effective for planning? And how do you keep your workflow organized?
Honestly, the main thing that will speed up your coding is experience. You'll start to see patterns and recognize solutions faster as you keep working on projects. There’s no magical shortcut. Keep at it, and things will improve!
When I was just starting out, I felt the same way. What helped me was breaking projects into smaller components and sketching out UIs and features before diving in. Also, use reusable code snippets for both frontend and backend tasks. Keeping your tasks organized in apps like Linear can help you focus and manage your workflow better. You'll start coding faster as you recognize patterns over time.
That's solid advice! So, how do you actually track tasks in those apps? I just jot things down in Todo to keep it simple. What about your reusable components—how do you structure those?
What kind of reusable pieces do you usually create? Do you package them, or just make simple templates?
Is using a framework really effective, though? Seems like it could add more overhead. Personally, switching around hasn’t changed my workflow much.