Stop 'Chatting' with Your AI. Start 'Directing' It.

Getting generic, unusable code from your AI? The problem isn't the AI; it's how we ask.

Many of us treat AI like a vague search engine. I was getting bad responses until I stopped 'chatting' and started 'directing'. I developed a 5-step framework that completely changed the quality of my results. If you follow this, you'll see the difference immediately.

The Golden Rule: Always Set the Role First

Before you write a single command, tell the AI 'who it is'. This sets the context for its entire response.

Example:You are a senior full-stack engineer assigned to build a modern web application from scratch.

Now, 5-Step Prompt Framework

I structure my prompts using these five sections. This forces the AI to be specific and build exactly what I need.

1. Objective

State the "big picture" goal in one or two sentences.

• Create a secure REST API for a blog platform. It will handle user authentication and CRUD operations for posts.

2. Structure

Define your tech stack and architecture. Don't let the AI guess.

• Tech Stack: Use the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React
• Authentication: Use JSON Web Tokens (JWT).
• Backend: Follow a controller-service pattern.

3. Tasks

This is the most critical part. Break the objective down into small, clear, actionable chunks.

• Create 'User' and 'Post' MongoDB models.
• Implement user registration (with password hashing) and login (issuing a JWT).
• Create a middleware to verify the JWT for protected routes.
• Implement full CRUD operations for the 'Post' controller.

4. Output Requirements

Tell the AI *exactly* how you want the answer delivered.

• Provide complete code for each file (models, controllers, middleware).
• Use ES6 module syntax (import/export).
• Add brief inline comments for complex logic.

5. Notes

Add any final rules, constraints, or specifics.

• All async functions must use try/catch blocks for error handling.
• Do not return the user's password in any API response.

Comments

[Muhammad Asif]

Example: You are a senior full-stack engineer tasked with building a desktop application from scratch.

• Objective
  I need a simple 2-page design, like a sidebar and content in the middle.

• Structure
  I need to use Tailwind CSS for good structure and easy design.
  Use React for frontend desktop application design.

• Tech Stack: Use TailwindCSS, React

• Tasks
  First, check my screenshot carefully.
  This is a pos system that needs full design as same my screenshot.

• Output Requirements
  I need just a design and basic functionality.
  Provide complete code for each file. (Best folder structure for a desktop application)
  Use ES6 module syntax (import/export).
  Add brief inline comments for complex logic.
  Need production-ready installation file (Mac, Windows, and Ubuntu devices)
  Every functionalities and pages need a test case.

• Notes
  All async functions must use try/catch blocks for error handling.
  Handle global error for better ux.
  If possible, use a reusable component for a better developer experience.