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Joshua Matthews
Joshua Matthews

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Claude Code Changed How I Build: 5 Workflows That Actually Work

After months of experimenting with Claude Code, I've found workflows that genuinely transformed how I approach development. Not hype—actual patterns that stick.

The Problem With Most AI Coding Tools

Most developers either over-rely on AI (copy-paste everything) or under-utilise it (basic autocomplete). The sweet spot? Using Claude Code as a thinking partner, not a replacement.

5 Workflows That Actually Deliver

1. The "Rubber Duck on Steroids" Pattern

Before writing code, I describe my approach to Claude Code. It catches architectural flaws I'd miss. Last week, it spotted a race condition in my async handling before I wrote a single line.

2. Test-First Generation

Write your test cases manually, then let Claude Code implement the solution. You maintain control over behaviour while accelerating implementation.

3. The Refactor Review Loop

Paste legacy code, ask for refactoring suggestions, then critically evaluate each change. Don't accept blindly—understand why.

4. Documentation Sprint

After completing a feature, use Claude Code to draft documentation while context is fresh. Edit for accuracy, keep for clarity.

5. Debugging Partner

Describe symptoms, paste error logs, and work through hypotheses together. It's remarkably good at suggesting what to check next.

The Key Insight

Claude Code works best when you treat it as a collaborator with knowledge gaps, not an oracle. Question its suggestions. Verify its assumptions.


Building better development workflows is something we focus on at Logic Leap. If you're looking to integrate AI tools effectively into your development process, we'd love to chat.

What workflows have you found effective with AI coding assistants? Drop them in the comments!

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