How AI Understands You
Different AI models are good at different things. The key is to be clear about what you want, just like explaining something to a friend.Tell the AI What Tools to Use
Be Specific About Your Tools
The AI works better when you tell it exactly what tools and technologies you want to use. It’s like telling a chef what ingredients to cook with. Good example:Popular Tool Combinations
| What You’re Building | Good Tools to Use | What It’s For |
|---|---|---|
| Website | React + TypeScript | Making interactive websites |
| Styling | Tailwind CSS | Making things look pretty |
| Saving Data | Supabase | Storing user information |
| Managing Data | Zustand | Keeping track of app information |
Tips for Different Frameworks
If you’re using React:- Say if you want modern or old-style components
- Mention how you want to handle data
- Tell it how pages should connect
- Specify which Vue style you prefer
- Mention any UI libraries you like
- Say what build tool you’re using
- Say if you want REST or GraphQL APIs
- Mention if you need user login
- Tell it how to check if data is correct
How to Ask Better Questions
Give the AI Context
Help the AI understand your situation:- Show it code you already have
- Tell it which files you’re working on
- Mention any limits (like “needs to work on old phones”)
- Say if speed is important
- First, explain what you want in general
- Then add more specific details
- Ask follow-up questions if needed
- Build on what the AI already created
Tips for Different AI Models
For Claude or Gemini:- Give all the information at once
- Use numbered lists to organize your thoughts
- Include examples of what you want
- Say how you want the answer formatted
- Break big requests into smaller pieces
- Use simple, clear language
- Show examples of what you mean
- Be specific about what you want
Avoid Common Mistakes
Don’t do this:- Be too vague (“make it better”)
- Forget to mention important details
- Use different names for the same thing
- Forget to say how things should connect
- Include clear goals (“make the button blue and centered”)
- Specify what success looks like
- Say how you’ll test it
- Ask for checkpoints along the way
Version Numbers: If you know which version of a tool you’re using, tell the AI. This helps it give you code that works.
Start Simple: Begin with a clear request, then add more details in follow-up messages.
Quick Tips Summary
The Main Rules
- Be clear: Say exactly what you want and how it should work
- Name your tools: Tell the AI which technologies to use
- Give context: Share relevant information and any limits
- Start simple: Begin with basics, then add details
Checklist Before You Ask
Before you send your request:- ✅ You clearly explained your goal
- ✅ You listed the tools you want to use
- ✅ You mentioned the main features you need
- ✅ You described what success looks like
- 🔄 Give feedback on what the AI creates
- 🔄 Ask for specific changes
- 🔄 Request explanations if confused
- 🔄 Use discussion mode to plan
What Makes a Good Request
Good requests have:- Clear description of what you want
- List of tools to use
- How it should look and feel
- Any speed or size requirements
- How it connects to other things
- A clear goal
- Technical details
- Specific instructions
- Definition of “done”
Remember: The AI can only work with what you tell it. The more details you give, the better the results.
