Code Prompting: Writing, Debugging, and Refactoring with LLMs

Code Prompting Patterns

How to get the best code output from AI

Describe, Don't Dictate

Tell the AI what you need, not how to code it. Let it choose the implementation.

"Build a function that validates email addresses" not "Write a regex for..."

Error-Paste Debugging

Copy the full error trace into chat. Don't interpret it yourself.

"Fix this error: [paste full stack trace]"

Refactor by Intent

Give the AI the outcome you want, not the mechanics.

"Make this function more readable" or "Split into smaller functions"

LLMs are effective tools for developers. This module teaches you how to use prompts to speed up your coding workflow, from writing and debugging code to performing full-scale refactors and generating tests.

Code Prompt Patterns

Five patterns for effective code generation and manipulation

Generate"Write a Node.js function that..."New code from spec

Refactor"Refactor to use async/await"Improved existing code

Debug"This throws TypeError, fix it"Bug fix + explanation

Test"Write Jest tests for this module"Test suite

Document"Add JSDoc to every function"Inline documentation

Code Prompting Patterns

How to get the best code output from AI

Describe, Don't Dictate

Tell the AI what you need, not how to code it. Let it choose the implementation.

"Build a function that validates email addresses" not "Write a regex for..."

Error-Paste Debugging

Copy the full error trace into chat. Don't interpret it yourself.

"Fix this error: [paste full stack trace]"

Refactor by Intent

Give the AI the outcome you want, not the mechanics.

"Make this function more readable" or "Split into smaller functions"

Code Prompt Patterns

Five patterns for effective code generation and manipulation

Generate"Write a Node.js function that..."New code from spec

Refactor"Refactor to use async/await"Improved existing code

Debug"This throws TypeError, fix it"Bug fix + explanation

Test"Write Jest tests for this module"Test suite

Document"Add JSDoc to every function"Inline documentation

Code Prompting: Writing, Debugging, and Refactoring with LLMs

Code Prompting Patterns

Writing, Explaining, and Translating Code

Debugging and Reviewing Code

Test Generation and Refactoring

Modern AI Coding Tools

Code Prompt Patterns

Code Prompting: Writing, Debugging, and Refactoring with LLMs

Code Prompting Patterns

Writing, Explaining, and Translating Code

Debugging and Reviewing Code

Test Generation and Refactoring

Modern AI Coding Tools

Code Prompt Patterns