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Break a habit-tracker app idea into 4 small build steps

  • For High school students
  • You practice Asking for a format you can use
  • Time about 5 minutes

About this exercise

You want to build a habit-tracker app with an AI coding tool, one small step at a time. Write exactly 4 numbered build steps, each as 'Step: what to build | Check: what you should see on screen'. Each step adds one thing to the last one, and the first step must work on its own. Leave out the features you said can wait. Plain text, no code blocks, under 120 words.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Building it all at once. The AI plans one big build, which is what broke last time. Try: Add: "4 small steps, each adding one thing."
  • Steps you can't check. The AI says 'set up the data model' with nothing to look at. Try: Add: "Each step has a Check: what I should see on screen."
  • Sneaking in later features. The AI adds login and reminders because habit apps usually have them. Try: Add: "No sharing, reminders or login."
  • A tutorial with code. The AI writes code samples for each step. Try: Add: "Plain text, no code blocks, just the steps."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Asks for small steps
  • Asks for a check per step
  • Rules out later features
  • Sets the order
  • Caps the length

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