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GitHub Mode as a Productivity Multiplier

· 4 min read
Ben Houston
Ben Houston
Founder of DriveCore

One of the most powerful aspects of MyCoder is its ability to use GitHub as a persistent, external memory store. This approach fundamentally transforms how you can interact with an AI coding assistant, turning it from a transient helper into a fully integrated team member with long-term memory.

The Productivity Breakthrough​

Using GitHub Mode with MyCoder can lead to dramatic productivity improvements:

  • 3x to 5x increase in development velocity
  • More autonomous work with less need for constant oversight
  • Higher quality contributions through structured workflows

How GitHub Mode Transforms the Workflow​

GitHub Mode enables MyCoder to interact with GitHub in ways that mirror a human team member:

1. GitHub as External Memory​

GitHub serves as both a readable and writable memory store, allowing MyCoder to:

  • Create GitHub issues to track tasks and document its analyses
  • Comment on issues with detailed breakdowns before implementation
  • Retrieve existing issues and execute them autonomously
  • Reference past work to maintain context across multiple sessions

2. Pull Requests as Work Units​

Using PRs as the primary unit of work changes the interaction model:

  • Instead of real-time back-and-forth, you can batch your reviews
  • Each PR provides a clear, reviewable unit of submitted work
  • MyCoder can refine PRs based on your feedback or CI/CD results
  • You can let MyCoder work autonomously, then review asynchronously

3. Leveraging CI/CD Feedback​

MyCoder can integrate with your development pipeline:

  • Retrieve GitHub Action logs to detect failures
  • Iterate on PRs until they're in a mergeable state
  • Eliminate grunt work normally required to debug automated tests

Real-World Examples​

Example 1: Asynchronous Code Review​

In PR #45, which fixes issue #44, you mentioned adding a pre-push
hook with the same validation as the pre-commit hook. Can you
confirm whether this introduces redundant checks that might
slow down development? If so, we should optimize it.

Why this works well:

  • Asks MyCoder to analyze its own previous work
  • Focuses on optimization and developer experience
  • Treats MyCoder as a teammate who can explain their decisions

Example 2: Batch Processing Multiple Issues​

Can you implement GitHub issues #31 and #30 together in a single
PR? This will ensure related changes are reviewed and merged
simultaneously. Once done, submit the PR and link both issues.

Why this works well:

  • Groups related tasks for efficient implementation
  • Provides clear instructions on the desired outcome
  • Leverages GitHub references to maintain context

Example 3: Autonomous Debugging​

You just created PR #34, fixing issues #30 and #31. However,
the CI is failing. Check GitHub Actions to diagnose the issue
and determine if your recent repository reorganization has
affected workflows or Docker configurations. If unrelated to
the fixes, create a separate GitHub issue and submit an
independent PR to address it.

Why this works well:

  • Asks MyCoder to independently investigate a problem
  • Provides context about potential causes
  • Gives clear guidance on how to proceed based on findings
  • Maintains proper issue/PR hygiene

Transforming the Developer Experience​

Using GitHub Mode doesn't just increase productivity—it fundamentally changes how you interact with MyCoder:

  • Reduced cognitive load: You don't need to maintain context between sessions
  • Asynchronous collaboration: You can review MyCoder's work on your schedule
  • Increased autonomy: MyCoder can work independently on well-defined tasks
  • Better accountability: All changes are tracked, reviewed, and properly attributed

By structuring work through GitHub, you're providing MyCoder with a system of record that ensures continuity across tasks and makes it easy to revisit past work, turning your AI assistant into a true coding collaborator rather than a tool you need to micromanage.