Theo runs T3 Chat and makes videos about web development. Almost everything else in this collection is somebody building a new thing in one sitting; his six suggestions are all maintenance on code that already exists. He asks the model to audit a codebase for what he calls slop, useless tests and unnecessary function wrappers, to work through open pull requests and issues, and to take over a branch that has been stuck for months with permission to throw the existing work away. He says he has closed at least 200 pull requests and issues this way.
Astra is rolling out now! It's unbelievably powerful, but you have to push it a bit to really see the difference.
I wanted to give some examples of what I mean here. Here are some fun things to try in your codebases when you get access:
1. Slop audits
I have asked Astra to go through all my codebases hunting for slop. Useless tests, unnecessary function wrappers, stuff like that. Surprisingly effective. It's cleaned up a ton of code for me.
2. Hunt for performance wins
Astra has found a ton of performance wins in my apps. It can make hard cuts and verify the results. Make sure you give it the tools it needs to verify it's changes. On that note...
3. Improve agent dx and verification loops
This model is surprisingly aware of what it can do. Ask it what it needs to verify it's own work. Let it suggest improvements to setup and worktree flows, debug access, end to end QA flows, etc.
4. Audit open PRs/issues
I've had Astra close at least 200 PRs and issues at this point. It also does a great job of finding easy win PRs to merge. Super helpful for projects with lots of contributors (both OSS and internal repos)
5. Let it merge
Once you get used to the model and it's ability to verify work, try trusting it a bit more. Obviously don't let it yolo ship to production, but if you have a good flow for pr -> main -> staging -> prod, maybe roll the dice a bit?
6. "takeover" work that is stuck in a loop
I've had this model land PRs that were stuck for months. If you have some old branch or PR where your agents are running in circles, blowing up the spec without actually shipping, tell Astra to take it over. Make sure it knows it can throw away the existing work and start from scratch.
Hope these help you guys with really pushing the new model! I've had a blast with it, I hope y'all do as well :)
Note: I cannot be held responsible for surprise bills and limit usage
