How I use Claude Code (Senior Software Engineer Tips)
Most developers are using AI like a slightly better search engine.
But tools like Claude Code can do far more than just generate code.
But that’s not how senior engineers actually use AI.
In this video, I break down the exact workflow I use to make AI genuinely useful for coding, including how to structure your environment, manage context, and design systems that let AI catch its own mistakes.
If you're a developer trying to work faster and stay competitive in the AI era, this setup will completely change how you use AI for coding.
Here’s what I cover 👇
✅ Why most developers use AI wrong for coding
✅ What Claude Code actually is and how it works
✅ The importance of a clean CLAUDE.md project context
✅ Why Plan Mode prevents AI from writing bad code
✅ The clear habit that keeps AI sessions accurate
✅ How to create custom slash commands for repeated tasks
✅ Building a validation loop (tests, builds, type checks) so AI fixes its own mistakes
✅ Running multiple AI coding sessions in parallel with Git worktrees
✅ Using sub-agents and skills to automate complex workflows
✅ How MCP servers let AI interact with tools like GitHub and Slack
Timestamps
0:00 Most Developers Use AI Wrong
0:54 What Claude Code Is
1:38 Setting Up CLAUDE.md
2:59 Using Plan Mode
4:37 Building a Validation Loop
5:40 Running Parallel AI Agents
7:50 MCP Servers
8:24 Practical AI Tips
about me
I’m Maddy, a senior software engineer (prev. at Google), with prior internships at Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, IBM, and Amazon. Sharing my journey here - thanks for watching 🤍
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*disclaimer: views are all my own and do not represent any current / past employer(s)
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