Coding Prompts: AI Prompts for Learning, Debugging & Building

Debug my code

I am getting this error in my [language] code: [paste error message]. Here is the code that triggers it: [paste code]. The code is supposed to [describe intended behavior]. Please: 1) explain what is causing the error in plain language, 2) show the corrected code, 3) explain what you changed and why.

Always paste the actual error message — it is the most valuable diagnostic signal.

Explain this code

Act as a coding instructor. Explain what this [language] code does in plain language, as if explaining to someone who knows basic programming but not this specific pattern. Go line by line or section by section. Identify: what the function or block does overall, any patterns or idioms being used, and anything that might cause bugs or confusion. Code: [paste code].

Write a function

Act as a [language] developer. Write a function that [describe what the function should do]. Input: [describe input parameters and types]. Output: [describe expected return value]. Edge cases to handle: [list any edge cases]. Include a brief docstring and one usage example. Do not use external libraries unless I specify.

The more you specify about inputs, outputs, and edge cases, the better the function will be.

Convert code to another language

Act as an expert in both [source language] and [target language]. Convert this [source language] code to [target language]. Keep the same logic and variable naming conventions where possible. Explain any translation decisions where the languages handle things differently. Source code: [paste].

Write a shell/Python script

Act as a [shell / Python / JavaScript] scripting expert. Write a script that [describe what the script should do]. Input: [describe any input — files, arguments, environment variables]. Output: [describe what the script should produce or print]. Requirements: [any platform constraints, error handling needs, or style preferences]. Include brief comments for any non-obvious steps.

Explain a programming concept

Act as a programming instructor. Explain [concept — e.g. recursion / closures / async/await / list comprehension] in [language]. Use: 1) a plain English explanation (no jargon first), 2) a minimal code example showing the concept in action, 3) a real-world use case where this pattern is the right choice, 4) one common mistake beginners make with this concept.

Refactor for readability

Act as a senior [language] developer doing a code review. Review this code for readability and maintainability — not functionality. Suggest 3–5 specific improvements: better variable names, cleaner structure, simpler logic, or improved comments. Show the refactored version with the changes. Do not change the behavior. Code: [paste].

Write unit tests

Act as a [language] developer focused on testing. Write unit tests for this function: [paste function]. Cover: the expected happy path, at least 2 edge cases, and one error/exception case. Use [testing framework — e.g. pytest / jest / Go testing] if possible. Each test should have a descriptive name that explains what it is testing.

Set up a project scaffold

Act as a [language/framework] developer. Show me the standard project scaffold for a new [type of project — e.g. FastAPI app / React component library / CLI tool in Go]. Include: the recommended directory structure, key config files with minimal boilerplate content, any package manager setup, and one sentence explaining why each folder or file exists.

Code review checklist

Act as a senior developer reviewing a pull request. Review this code for: correctness (does it do what it claims), security (any input validation issues or unsafe patterns), performance (obvious bottlenecks), and readability (naming, structure, comments). Give your feedback as a numbered list of findings, ordered from most to least critical. Code: [paste].

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