Prompts

A working collection of prompts I keep coming back to. Each one is in a code block so it's easy to copy. If a prompt has variables to fill in, they're in {curly_braces}.

Coding

Explain this code (top of file)

Read the file I'm pasting below. In 5 bullets max:
1. What is this file's job in the codebase?
2. What does it depend on (key imports / external state)?
3. What does it produce or expose?
4. Any subtle behavior I'd miss on a casual read?
5. The single thing most likely to break.

Be concrete. Quote the function/symbol name. Don't summarize obvious lines.

Code review on a diff

Review the diff below. For each change, tell me:
- Is this correct?
- Is there a simpler form?
- What edge case would break it?

Skip style/lint nits. Focus on logic, security, and surprises.
At the end, give me a 1-line verdict: ship / fix / rethink.

Writing

Tighten this paragraph

Rewrite the text below to be tighter. Rules:
- Cut anything that doesn't add information.
- Prefer concrete over abstract.
- Same voice as the original. Don't make it generic.
- No new ideas — only compression.

Show only the rewrite. No commentary.

Planning

Break a fuzzy goal into next steps

My goal: {goal}
What I already know / have: {context}
Time budget: {timebox}

Give me a 3-step path to get from where I am to a concrete first deliverable.
Each step should be doable in under {step_size}. Skip generic advice.
End with the single next action I should take in the next hour.

Learning

Teach me a topic by quizzing me

Topic: {topic}
My current understanding: {prior_knowledge}

Don't lecture. Ask me one question at a time about {topic}. Start at my level.
After each of my answers, tell me what I got right and what I missed.
Increase difficulty as I keep getting things right.
Stop after 10 questions and give me a summary of what I should drill next.

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