prompts library
Understanding Code
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Slide 1 of 0Interactive Deck
Full Lesson Reference
For learning what code does and how things work.
Explaining Code
Explain a file
Explain what [filename] does in simple terms.
Explain a section
terminal
Explain this part:
[paste code section]High-level overview
terminal
Give me a high-level overview of how [feature] works.
Don't go into detail — just the big picture.Data flow
terminal
Walk me through how data flows when the user [action].
Where does it start, where does it go, where does it end up?Understanding Decisions
Why this approach
terminal
Why did you structure [thing] this way?
What's the reasoning?Alternatives
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What are other ways we could have built [feature]?
Why is this approach better/worse?Trade-offs
What are the trade-offs of the approach we're using for [feature]?
Learning Concepts
What is this
What is [term/concept]? Explain it simply.
How does X work
terminal
How does [concept/technology] work, in general terms?
I don't need to master it, just understand the basics.Why do we need
Why do we need [thing]? What problem does it solve?
Connecting to Knowledge
Like what I know
terminal
Is [concept] similar to anything in design?
How can I think about it using what I already know?Analogy
Give me a non-technical analogy for how [concept] works.
Exploring Options
How would I
If I wanted to [goal], how would I approach that?
What's possible
terminal
What are the options for [capability]?
I'm not sure what's possible.Best practice
What's the standard/recommended way to handle [situation]?
Verifying Understanding
Did I get this right
terminal
Let me check my understanding: [your explanation of how something works].
Is that right?What am I missing
I think I understand [concept], but what am I probably missing or oversimplifying?
Exercises
- Pick a file in your project you don't fully understand and run the "Explain a file" prompt, then run "Data flow" for one user action in it — note where your mental model was wrong.
- Use the "Like what I know" prompt to map an unfamiliar coding concept onto a design concept you already know. Write the analogy down so you remember it.
- After learning something new, run the "Did I get this right" prompt with your own explanation, then "What am I missing" — capture the one nuance you'd have skipped.