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AI Coding Agents (Claude Code & Codex) · Module 3 of 10

Writing good instructions

Clear, specific requests produce better code.

📖 Key ideas

  1. Say what to change, where, and how you will judge success.
  2. Mention constraints: libraries to use or avoid, style, performance needs.
  3. Point to files or examples: "follow the pattern in src/api/users.ts".
  4. Ask for a plan first on big tasks, then approve it.
  5. Break large work into steps you can review one at a time.
💡 Real-life example: Like giving directions to an auto driver: "Erode bus stand, via Perundurai Road, drop at gate 2" beats "take me there".
Acceptance criteriaConditions that define done
ConstraintRule the solution must follow
Plan modeAgent proposes steps before editing
Reference fileExisting code to copy patterns from