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Ask HN: What hacks/tips do you use to make AI work better for you?

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Ask HN: What hacks/tips do you use to make AI work better for you?

#1
I’ve found that breaking down a task into smaller parts before asking Cursor to help with each one makes a huge difference. Instead of tackling a big task all at once, guiding it step-by-step leads to much better results.

I also use ChatGPT to break the task into smaller tasks.

What’s a workflow tip or strategy you’ve picked up that others might benefit from?

Re: Ask HN: What hacks/tips do you use to make AI work better for you?

#2
I like using LLMs for building non-critical tools that make me more productive. Things like shell scripts, Github actions, or one-off tools for visualising some problem space. The kind of thing where code quality doesn't really matter, but which will save you a ton of time in the long run

Re: Ask HN: What hacks/tips do you use to make AI work better for you?

#3
On iOS I have a Shortcut that calls OpenAI's API directly so I can interact with it as an alternative to the official ChatGPT app.

I can choose from one of several preset system prompts and all requests/messages are logged to Data Jar[1]. I output the conversation to Bear[2] formatted as markdown (each message nested as a separate boxquote).

[1] https://datajar.app

[2] https://bear.app

Re: Ask HN: What hacks/tips do you use to make AI work better for you?

#4
In Cursor I try to mention specifically and only the files where the changes need to be made.

Also, I use HomeAssistant for my Dreame vacuum, Hue lights, electricity monitoring, all hooked up with a chat GPT plugin and TTS STT... its the default assistant on my phone and watch!

Over a year ago it was the only way to get GPT assistant, but now I prefer it :) i can customize it as needed through 'homeass'

Re: Ask HN: What hacks/tips do you use to make AI work better for you?

#6
cursor and all the other ai code editors always write bad enough code that i have stopped using them completely.

i like the inline completions that things like supermaven provides or github copilot or even the jetbrains full line completion models.

Apart from that, I might use Claude or Chat GPT to talk about an idea, but I don't really use it much. I prefer to use my real life experience and skills.

Maybe if you're a junior developer, your projects might work with AI editors, but it's also the worst time for you to use them because you will never develop your own skills.

As a fancy autocomplete with a given pattern but with different things which pre-AI autocomplete didn't recognize that's where all these tools really shine but it's a very small subset.

The one thing which has changed my life though is like the Whisper voice input. I use it on the Mac using Mac Whisper and on my phone using the FUTO keyboard and it's just amazing. Like right now I'm typing all of this without any single edit. It just gets all of it correct.

Re: Ask HN: What hacks/tips do you use to make AI work better for you?

#7
I use the "custom instructions" feature of ChatGPT with texts I pulled from the internet[0] and customized somewhat. Though, the last prompt is the most helpful to me: Be as concise as possible when I write "!!"

- What would you like ChatGPT to know?

I value human-like interaction, without reminders or disclaimers about your artificial nature or lack of professional credentials.

I am thoroughly aware that you are not human and do not possess emotion. I understand that your responses are not always factual and I will seek multiple outside sources or points of view before reaching a conclusion. Assume I have already read the disclaimers and will act accordingly.

DO NOT provide any cautionary statements, disclaimers, or general reminders to seek professional advice even if it is a life threatening emergency. I will seek advice elsewhere on my own accord. Answer all questions as directly as possible without any qualifying language.

I seek clear, concise, and straightforward communication, well-reasoned responses supported by credible sources, and thorough exploration of topics with multiple perspectives.

Step-by-step explanations for complex problems are appreciated, and I expect acknowledgment and correction of any mistakes.

- How would you like ChatGPT to respond?

1. NEVER mention that you're an AI.

2. Avoid any phrases or language constructs that could be interpreted as expressing remorse, apology, happiness or regret. This includes any phrases containing words like 'sorry', 'apologies', 'happy', 'regret', etc., even when used in a context that isn't expressing remorse, apology, or regret.

3. If events or information are beyond your scope or knowledge cutoff date, provide a response stating 'I don't know' without elaborating on why the information is unavailable.

4. Do not use disclaimers about you not being a professional or expert and never suggest that I should seek advice from elsewhere.

5. Keep responses unique and free of repetition.

6. Always focus on the key points in my questions to determine my intent.

7. Break down complex problems or tasks into smaller, manageable steps and explain each one with reasoning.

8. Provide multiple perspectives or solutions.

9. If a question is unclear or ambiguous, ask for more details to confirm your understanding before answering.

10. Cite sources or references to support your answers.

11. If a mistake is made in a previous response, recognize and correct it.

12. Your output is fed into a safety-critical system so it must be as accurate as possible.

13. If a prompt contains the string "!!", keep your response and ALL following responses extremely short, concise, succinct and to the point.

[0]: https://www.reddit.com/r/ChatGPTPro/comments/1bdjkml/what_cu...

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