Automating Repetitive Tasks: Productivity Hacks for Developers

As developers, we often find ourselves bogged down by tasks that don’t require our creativity — compiling, formatting, testing, or deployments. Automating these not only frees up mental energy but also ensures consistency and speed. Let’s dive into practical automation hacks to get more done with less effort.

Why Automation Matters

• Saves time by removing redundant manual steps
• Reduces errors with consistent execution
• Frees up brainpower for higher-order problem solving
• Makes workflows repeatable and scalable

1. Use Task Runners & Build Tools

Example: Using npm scripts

"scripts": {
  "start": "node index.js",
  "build": "webpack --mode production",
  "lint": "eslint ./src",
  "test": "jest"
}

Run with:

npm run lint

2. Automate Formatting & Linting

• Use Prettier for formatting and ESLint for code linting
• Setup pre-commit hooks using lint-staged and husky

npx husky-init && npm install

"lint-staged": {
  "*.js": ["eslint --fix", "prettier --write"]
}

3. Use Aliases & CLI Shortcuts

Add these to ~/.zshrc or ~/.bashrc:

alias gs="git status"
alias gl="git log --oneline"
alias serve="npx serve"

4. Automate Dev Environments with Docker

FROM node:18
WORKDIR /app
COPY . .
RUN npm install
CMD ["npm", "start"]

Then spin it up consistently with:

docker build -t myapp .
docker run -p 3000:3000 myapp

5. Cron Jobs for Scheduled Automation

crontab -e

Example: Backup project folder every day at 11 PM:

0 23 * * * tar -czf ~/backup/code_$(date +\%F).tar.gz ~/projects/myapp

6. Automate Tests with CI/CD

Use platforms like GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, or CircleCI.

# .github/workflows/test.yml
name: Run Tests
on: [push]
jobs:
  test:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    steps:
      - uses: actions/checkout@v2
      - run: npm install
      - run: npm test

7. Script the Mundane with Node.js or Bash

// cleanup.js
const fs = require('fs');
const path = './temp';
fs.rmSync(path, { recursive: true, force: true });
console.log('Cleaned up!');

node cleanup.js

Bonus: Use the Pomodoro Technique

While not technically automation, combining Pomodoro with task batching improves focus and productivity.

Tools:

• Pomofocus.io
• VS Code Extensions like "Code Time"

Final Thoughts

Automation doesn’t have to be complex. Start with one repetitive task, find a tool or write a script, and reclaim your time. Each automated minute is a gift to your future self.