Stop AI from making assumptions. Start getting better results.
A collection of battle-tested prompt templates for software development that force AI assistants to ask questions, state assumptions, and wait for approval before coding.
When working with AI coding assistants, you've probably experienced:
- ❌ AI makes wrong assumptions about your requirements
- ❌ AI starts coding immediately without understanding the full context
- ❌ AI modifies unexpected files or uses different patterns than your codebase
- ❌ Wasted time fixing AI-generated code that missed the mark
These templates enforce a structured workflow:
- AI asks clarifying questions first
- AI states all assumptions explicitly
- AI creates a plan and waits for your approval
- AI implements only after you approve
We provide 6 ready-to-use templates for common development tasks:
| Template | Use Case | File |
|---|---|---|
| Template 1 | Adding new features | Feature Addition |
| Template 2 | Fixing bugs | Bug Fix |
| Template 3 | Refactoring code | Refactoring |
| Template 4 | Understanding code | Code Review |
| Template 5 | Starting new projects | New Project Setup |
| Template 6 | Adding integrations | Integration |
Pick the template that matches your task:
- Need to add a feature? → Use Template 1
- Something broken? → Use Template 2
- Code needs cleanup? → Use Template 3
- Don't understand existing code? → Use Template 4
- Starting fresh? → Use Template 5
- Adding external service? → Use Template 6
Each template has [PLACEHOLDERS] - replace them with your specific details.
Send the filled template to your AI assistant (Claude, ChatGPT, etc.)
AI will ask clarifying questions first - answer them clearly.
AI will present a plan - review it and approve before implementation.
Real-world examples for each template:
- Adding User Authentication - Template 1
- Fixing Login Error - Template 2
- Refactoring Database Layer - Template 3
- Understanding API Gateway - Template 4
- Setting Up E-commerce Site - Template 5
- Integrating Stripe Payments - Template 6
Never let AI start coding without a reviewed plan.
AI should ask, not assume. If anything is unclear, AI must ask.
When AI must make assumptions, they should be clearly stated and confirmed.
Break complex work into phases with approval gates.
Clear checkpoints where AI must wait for your input.
Before You Start:
- Gather all relevant information (error messages, logs, requirements)
- Know what success looks like
- Identify what should NOT change
During the Process:
- Answer AI's questions completely
- Push back if AI makes assumptions
- Request alternatives if unsure
After Implementation:
- Verify the changes work as expected
- Check for unintended side effects
- Document any lessons learned
Create project-specific templates by:
- Copy a base template from
/templates - Add domain-specific questions
- Include project conventions
- Save in your project repo
Create issue templates that reference these prompts:
**For AI Assistant:**
- [ ] Use [Template Name](link-to-template)
- [ ] Review PROJECT_CONTEXT.md first
- [ ] List all assumptions before coding- Add this repo as a submodule or copy templates to your repo
- Update your development workflow docs
- Include in onboarding materials
- Share examples from your team's usage
Contributions welcome! Please see CONTRIBUTING.md for details.
Ways to contribute:
- Share your examples
- Improve existing templates
- Add templates for new use cases
- Report issues or unclear instructions
- Translate to other languages
MIT License - feel free to use, modify, and share.
These templates work because they:
- Force explicit communication - No room for silent assumptions
- Create checkpoints - You stay in control
- Are language-agnostic - Work with any tech stack
- Scale with complexity - Simple tasks stay simple, complex tasks get proper planning
- Build on proven patterns - Based on real development workflows
- Questions? Open an issue
- Success story? Share in discussions
- Need help? Check examples first, then ask
Start getting better results from AI today. Pick a template and try it!
⭐ Star this repo if you find it useful!