"Do not suggest code changes yet.
Help me understand this flow first.
Walk me through what happens from [user action] to [visible result].
Reference the key files, functions, and state changes in order.
Then tell me:
1. which part I seem not to understand yet
2. what questions I should answer before prompting for a fix
3. whether the better next move is explanation, debugging, refactoring, or a new implementation prompt"When to Stop Prompting and Start Reading
Recognize when AI stops helping and learn when reading code yourself is the faster path forward.
Prompt FAQ
Questions to answer before you paste it
When should I use the When to Stop Prompting and Start Reading prompt?
Recognize when AI stops helping and learn when reading code yourself is the faster path forward. Use it when you need a safer starting point than a blank prompt and you want the agent to stay inside explicit constraints.
Should I paste this prompt exactly as written?
No. Treat it as a safe starter. Replace the task, files, constraints, and verification details with your actual context before you run it.
What should I do after the agent answers?
Read the diff, run the checks, and stop after one reviewable step. If you need deeper context, open the lesson that explains the reasoning behind the prompt.
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