Make an AI coding assistant plan a change before it edits code
A structured request that makes the assistant restate requirements, list assumptions to check, and propose file-by-file changes first.
The prompt
Before you write or change any code, plan this change with me.
Why we are making the change: [CONTEXT — the problem, bug, or business need]
Desired behavior: [what should happen after the change, including edge cases]
Relevant files or areas: [PATHS, or "find them"]
Constraints: [e.g. "no new dependencies", "keep the public API stable", "must pass existing tests"]
Out of scope: [what not to touch]
Do this, in order, and then stop and wait for my approval:
1. Your understanding: restate the requirement in 3-5 sentences, in your own words.
2. Hypotheses to validate: list 5 assumptions you are making about the code, data, or expected behavior that I should confirm or correct.
3. Questions: anything you cannot determine from the code.
4. Change plan: a file-by-file list using these markers:
- ADD: new file, with its purpose
- EDIT: existing file, with what changes and why
- DELETE: file to remove, with why it is safe
5. Tests: which tests you will add or update, and how we will know the change works.
6. Risks: what could break, and how to roll back.
Rules:
- Do not edit any files until I reply "approved" (or give corrections).
- If you find the change is bigger or riskier than described, say so instead of shrinking the scope silently.
- Keep the plan to what is needed; no unrelated refactoring.
Highlighted [brackets] are blanks to replace with your own details.
Fill in the blanks and use this promptMore Working with AI prompts
What to fill in
- CONTEXT — the problem, bug, or business need
- what should happen after the change, including edge cases
- PATHS, or "find them"
- what not to touch
How this prompt is built
This prompt follows the RTF structure (Role, Task, Format). RTF tells the model who to be, what to do and what shape the answer should take. It is the quickest structure that still gives noticeably better results than a bare request.
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