Workflow Optimization

Real-Time Code Review

Working with CodeSnipe fundamentally changes the code review process. Instead of traditional post-completion reviews, you're engaging in continuous, real-time review as the code is being written. This shift from reactive to proactive review can dramatically improve code quality while reducing the need for rewrites.

Active Monitoring

When CodeSnipe is writing code, you should be actively monitoring its output. This isn't about micromanaging - it's about catching architectural misalignments early and ensuring the implementation matches your vision. The real-time nature of this review process means you can course-correct immediately, often with a simple comment like "let's use dependency injection here" or "this should be an async operation."

If you notice CodeSnipe heading in the wrong direction, don't wait for it to finish. Interrupt with clear, specific feedback. CodeSnipe maintains context throughout the conversation, so these interruptions don't disrupt its workflow - they enhance it.

Strategic Review Points

While CodeSnipe excels at implementation, certain key moments deserve your focused attention as the senior developer. These are the critical junctures where your expertise has the highest impact and helps maintain that ideal 90/10 split of responsibilities.

Architecture Decisions

The first few minutes of any new feature implementation are crucial. When CodeSnipe starts establishing patterns, watch closely. For example, if CodeSnipe begins implementing a new service layer, pay attention to how it structures the dependency injection. Is it following your project's established patterns? Is it making appropriate assumptions about lifecycle management? A quick "let's make this service singleton-scoped" or "this should be using our existing ILogger interface" can save you from refactoring later.

Integration Points

Any time CodeSnipe crosses system boundaries, it's your cue to pay extra attention. This includes:

• Database access patterns (Are we using the right repository abstractions?)
• API integrations (Is error handling consistent with our other external calls?)
• Message queue interactions (Are we following our retry policies?)
• Third-party service calls (Are we properly handling rate limits?)

These boundaries are where assumptions become critical. CodeSnipe might correctly implement an API call, but miss crucial business requirements like "all external calls must timeout after 30 seconds" or "failed calls must be logged to our monitoring system."

Complex Business Logic

While CodeSnipe is remarkably capable with complex logic, this is where your domain knowledge becomes invaluable. When implementing business rules, watch for edge cases that might not be obvious from the code alone. For instance, if CodeSnipe is implementing order processing logic, you might notice it hasn't accounted for your company's special handling of international shipping regulations or specific customer discount rules.

Testing Strategies

One of CodeSnipe's most powerful features is its ability to write comprehensive tests alongside implementation code. However, you'll get the best results by approaching testing as a collaborative discussion rather than a checklist of requirements.

Test-First Development

While CodeSnipe can write tests after implementation, you'll get better results by discussing testing strategy upfront. The key is to frame it as a natural part of the development conversation. Instead of providing a formal list of test cases, try something like:

"Let's build this authentication system test-first. What edge cases do you think we need to consider?"

CodeSnipe will typically respond with a thoughtful analysis of potential test scenarios, often catching edge cases you might have missed. You can then refine its suggestions through natural dialogue:

"Good thinking on the password validation tests. We should also add tests for password complexity rules since we have specific requirements around special characters."

This collaborative approach leverages CodeSnipe's understanding of testing best practices while allowing you to inject your domain knowledge and specific project requirements.

Comprehensive Test Coverage

You can significantly influence the depth and focus of test coverage that CodeSnipe writes through your guidance. Think of it like mentoring a mid-level developer - you don't need to specify every test case, but you should establish clear expectations and patterns.

For example, when starting a new feature, you might say:

"We take testing seriously in this project. I want to see unit tests for all public methods, integration tests for our database interactions, and end-to-end tests for critical user journeys. Use TestProject as an example - it has the patterns we follow."

CodeSnipe will maintain this standard throughout development, but remains responsive to specific guidance. If you notice it hasn't covered an important scenario, a simple nudge is usually sufficient:

"Could you add a test for what happens when the database connection fails?"

Test Evolution

One significant advantage of CodeSnipe's pair programming approach is that tests can evolve naturally with the code. As you review the implementation and suggest changes, CodeSnipe automatically updates the relevant tests to match. This means you can focus on high-level concerns like test strategy and coverage gaps, while CodeSnipe handles the mechanical aspects of test maintenance.

If you find yourself writing test code manually, pause and consider whether you could better express your requirements to CodeSnipe instead. Remember, the goal is to maintain that 90/10 split - with CodeSnipe handling most of the implementation while you focus on architecture and edge cases.

Optimizing Test Workflow

Keep your test-related prompts focused on intent rather than implementation. Instead of specifying exact test methods, describe what you're trying to verify:

"We need to be confident that this payment processing code handles network timeouts gracefully. What test scenarios should we consider?"

This approach lets CodeSnipe apply its testing expertise while remaining aligned with your project's needs. You can always refine its suggestions, but you'll often find that CodeSnipe's initial testing strategy is quite comprehensive.