Code Smarter, Not Harder: AI Pair Programming with Claude Code & Friday

For the tech enthusiast and the family member alike, the ever-evolving world of software development demands innovation. We, as developers, are constantly seeking ways to improve efficiency, streamline our workflow, and ultimately, deliver exceptional results. Today, I'm excited to share a powerful new approach to coding that has fundamentally changed the way I work: AI-powered pair programming using Claude Code and CodeWithFriday.

This isn't just a gadget; it's a game-changer. In my own experience, incorporating these tools has resulted in a 10x increase in coding speed. Let that sink in. This enhanced productivity allows for more rapid prototyping, quicker bug fixes, and the freedom to focus on the more creative and strategic aspects of software development.

If you are short on time, here are the big take-aways:

1. We shouldn't let one AI run on it's own, or even two - way too many mistakes.
2. Remove the "helpful" personalities and ask the AI to act like an "Expert Skeptic" . This produces more detailed and transparent issue discovery.
3. Break tasks down into smaller executable components that can be completed and checked more quickly. Development velocity increases.
4. Control the flow and the direction. Vibe coding is like archery in a hurricane. Human touch is critical.

The Workflow: A Symphony of AI and GitHub

The beauty of this approach lies in its seamless integration with existing, well-established tools. Here's a breakdown of how I leverage Claude Code and CodeWithFriday in conjunction with the IDE (integrated development environment), WebStorm, and the industry-standard platform, GitHub:

• GitHub: The Maestro of Task Management: We start with GitHub. I utilize its robust project management features, specifically a Kanban board, to organize and prioritize tasks. This provides a clear visual overview of project progress, making it easy to track individual contributions and overall team momentum.
• Claude Code: Engineer & Programmer: Claude Code takes my plan and breaks it down into tasks. I ask it to assign tasks to git hub issues all under a milestone.
• CodeWithFriday: Second Opinion and Co-Programmer:  CodeWithFriday seamlessly handles pull requests within a GitHib ecosystem. I used it to test ClaudeCode as on itʻs own ClaudeCode makes mistakes and hallucinates. This automation frees up valuable time and reduces the cognitive load associated with code review, allowing you to focus on more complex problems and the core of the project itself.
• The WebStorm Advantage: Leveraging WebStorm as my primary IDE allows me to take full advantage of the integration with Claude Code. With CodeWithFriday, I can get assistance and automate code review within the IDE to maximize efficiency. Console and terminal errors are sent direct to Claude Code saving cut and paste which is the bain of problems with Windsurf, Cursor and VS Code. Maybe they've solved it already but this command in Claude Code /ide is so easy to use.

A Dual-Tool Demonstration

In the video, I provide a detailed, hands-on demonstration of this workflow in action. You'll see firsthand how Claude Code and Friday operate simultaneously, working in tandem to accelerate the development process.

Key Takeaway: Navigating Commands

One of the most important aspects of understanding these tools is the subtle difference in the way commands are executed, and I'll go over it in detail within the video. These tools require some basic instruction, but will ultimately become second nature, as well as a force multiplier.

The Verdict: Efficiency and Better Accuracy

Whether you're a seasoned CTO looking to optimize team productivity or a family member with a casual interest in software, the benefits of Claude Code and CodeWithFriday are clear. This innovative approach promotes faster development cycles, improved code quality, and a more enjoyable coding experience. You shouldnʻt let one AI run on itʻs own, too many mistakes. Break tasks down into smaller executable components that can be completed and checked more quickly. Develpoment velocity increases.

Ready to experience the future of coding?

I encourage you to explore these tools, experiment with the workflow, and discover how they can revolutionize your own development process. Start by watching the video below to see it all unfold.

Embrace the power of AI. Code smarter, not harder.