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Plan a booking automation as short pseudo-code steps

Practice: Asking for a format you can use. About 5 minutes.

About this exercise

Write the automation for new grooming bookings as pseudo-code: one code block of at most 6 numbered lines, each shaped App: Action - fields. Before anything is created, a filter must stop it unless Deposit paid is Yes and Zip is 97211 or 97217, the only areas the van covers. Rosa and Deb now read the van calendar on their phones, so there's no Slack post anymore, and the form already texts clients, so no email or text to the customer. Under 25 words outside the code.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Not giving the full filter. The AI checks the deposit but books dogs outside the van's area. Try: Add: "Filter first: Deposit paid is Yes and Zip is 97211 or 97217."
  • Not giving the line shape. The AI writes paragraphs or arrows that you can't copy into the tool. Try: Add: "Each line App: Action - fields, using the form's exact field names."
  • Forgetting what changed. The AI copies today's routine, Slack post included, and adds a customer email. Try: Add: "No Slack step and no email or text to the customer."
  • Getting a menu of options. The AI likes to offer two or three versions of the plan, so you're left to pick and test them yourself. Try: Add: "Give one plan only, in one code block, no alternatives."
  • Getting a tutorial. By default the AI explains every part of the code at length, which you then have to scroll past. Try: Add: "After the code, one line under 10 words. Nothing else."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Gives the full filter
  • Gives the line shape
  • Drops the old steps
  • Caps the steps
  • Asks for one answer only

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