Prompts that get you a better answer

Tips for a better answer

• Never paste passwords, API keys or customer data. Swap them for placeholders such as API_KEY.
• Only run code once you understand what it does, and try it on a copy of your data first.

An example, filled in

Explain this Python code to me. I’m someone who can read a little Python. It’s from a script a former colleague left on our shared drive. Tell me: what it does overall, in two sentences; what each part does, step by step; anything risky or likely to break, such as missing error handling or a password written into the code; and the first improvement you’d make. Keep it plain and patient, and don’t rewrite the whole thing. If you’d need to see more of the code to be sure, say so. The code: import csv with open('orders.csv') as f: rows = list(csv.DictReader(f)) total = sum(float(r.get('amount', 0)) for r in rows if r.get('status') == 'paid') print(total)

Tips for a better answer

• Paste the whole error, including the lines above it: the useful clue is often there.

An example, filled in

I’m getting this error: ModuleNotFoundError: No module named 'pandas'. It happens when I run my script from the terminal with python report.py. My setup: Python 3.12 on a Mac. What I’ve already tried: I installed pandas with pip install pandas, and it said it worked. Explain what the error means in plain English, the three most likely causes in order of probability, and how to check each one. Give me the smallest fix first, as exact steps. If you need more information to be sure, tell me exactly what to look at or paste next, rather than guessing.

Tips for a better answer

• AI reviews miss things: treat this as a second pair of eyes, not a sign-off.
• Ask it to write a test that shows each bug before you fix it.

An example, filled in

Review this JavaScript code as a careful senior developer would. What it does, and where it runs: a form on our website that saves sign-ups to a database. What matters most here: security. List the problems in order of seriousness, each with where it is, why it’s a problem and a suggested fix as a short code snippet. Look especially for bugs, security problems (such as injection or exposed secrets), missing error handling and unclear names. Tell me what’s good, too, and keep the tone constructive. If you’re unsure whether something is a bug, say so and explain what would confirm it. The code: app.post('/signup', async (req, res) => { const email = req.body.email; await db.query("INSERT INTO signups (email) VALUES ('" + email + "')"); res.send('Thanks!'); });