Ask HN: How do you get into a flow state when using AI to code?

#1

Post by kilroy123 » Thu, Jun 11, 2026, 3:56 PM UTC

Before agentic coding, I always prided myself on how long I could work in a flow state. I was really good at working deeply.

Now, with slow agents like Claude, I find myself no longer working deeply.

What are you all doing to stay focused?

Re: Ask HN: How do you get into a flow state when using AI to code?

#2

Post by patwalls » Thu, Jun 11, 2026, 3:59 PM UTC

[flagged]

Re: Ask HN: How do you get into a flow state when using AI to code?

#3

Post by afavour » Thu, Jun 11, 2026, 4:27 PM UTC

Short answer is I don’t and it adversely affects my job satisfaction.

I’m quite sure I’ve left money on the table over the years as a result of my reluctance to manage and mentor junior developers. Disappointing that I’ve ended up managing junior AI developers who won’t even grow as a result of the time I’m putting into them.

Re: Ask HN: How do you get into a flow state when using AI to code?

#4

Post by YtMtBt » Thu, Jun 11, 2026, 4:30 PM UTC

[dead]

Re: Ask HN: How do you get into a flow state when using AI to code?

#5

Post by aaarrm » Thu, Jun 11, 2026, 4:32 PM UTC

Flow state relies on a constant information inflow that holds your attention perfectly, often hinging on competency and challenge. You can't enter it in AI coding because you need to wait for replies. It's incompatible.

I just watch YouTube in the downtime these days, or movies that I don't care too much about

Re: Ask HN: How do you get into a flow state when using AI to code?

#6

Post by meetingthrower » Thu, Jun 11, 2026, 4:32 PM UTC

Welcome to management!!!

Re: Ask HN: How do you get into a flow state when using AI to code?

#7

Post by ballooney » Thu, Jun 11, 2026, 4:32 PM UTC

Do something better with your life. Honestly, not /s. Your brain is trying to tell you something.

Re: Ask HN: How do you get into a flow state when using AI to code?

#8

Post by mck- » Thu, Jun 11, 2026, 4:33 PM UTC

For me the flow state has always come from a sensation of creative juices spawning ideas, a vision for an end result, and the deep focus that ensues in working towards that.

Such a cycle previously could take hours or days, resulting in long, deep flow states. But now I go through dozens such cycles a day.

So less of a single flow state, more so many short flow states. As for waiting, that’s when you can explore another idea in parallel. Double the flow states for me :)

Re: Ask HN: How do you get into a flow state when using AI to code?

#9

Post by throwawa14223 » Thu, Jun 11, 2026, 4:35 PM UTC

Never, has made my programming joyless and boring. If it wasn't a requirement to keep my job I'd never touch it.

Re: Ask HN: How do you get into a flow state when using AI to code?

#10

Post by mrweasel » Thu, Jun 11, 2026, 4:36 PM UTC

Could you not just, you know, not use Claude? Or if you must, delegate some tasks to the agent and go work on something yourself, the agent doesn't mind waiting for you to get back.