Best AI prompt for coding: developer templates that work
Last updated: April 20266 min readAI Tools
The difference between useless AI-generated code and production-ready output is the prompt. Here are the prompt templates that developers actually use every day for code review, debugging, refactoring, documentation, and architecture decisions.
Code review prompt
Use this before submitting a PR or when reviewing someone else's code:
You are a senior [JavaScript/Python/Go] developer who values readable, maintainable code.
Review this code for:
1. Bugs or logic errors
2. Performance issues
3. Security concerns
4. Readability improvements
For each issue, show the problematic code, the fix, and a one-sentence explanation. If the code is clean, say "no issues found." Use code blocks.
[paste code]
Debugging prompt
When you have an error and cannot figure out why:
You are a [language] developer debugging a production issue.
Error message: [paste error]
Relevant code:
[paste code]
Environment: [Node 20 / Python 3.11 / etc]
What I already tried: [what you tried]
Tell me: (1) the root cause, (2) the fix with code, (3) how to prevent this in the future. Be specific, not generic.
Refactoring prompt
When code works but is messy:
You are a senior developer who specializes in clean code and refactoring.
Refactor this [language] code to improve readability and maintainability. Keep the same behavior. Do not add new dependencies. Explain each change you made and why. If you rename any functions or variables, list the old and new names.
[paste code]
Write a function from scratch
You are a [language] developer.
Write a function that [description of what it does]. Inputs: [describe inputs and types]. Output: [describe expected output and type]. Edge cases to handle: [list them]. Include error handling for [specific scenarios]. Add comments explaining non-obvious logic. Do not use external libraries unless I specify one.
Write tests
You are a test engineer who writes thorough unit tests.
Write tests for this function using [testing framework: Jest/pytest/Go testing]. Cover: (1) normal cases, (2) edge cases, (3) error cases. Each test should have a clear description. Use [describe/it or test naming convention]. Do not mock anything unless necessary.
[paste function]
Write documentation
You are a technical writer for developer documentation.
Write documentation for this [function/API/module]. Include: (1) a one-sentence description, (2) parameters with types, (3) return value, (4) 2-3 usage examples, (5) common gotchas or edge cases. Format as markdown. Keep it concise.
[paste code]
Architecture decision
You are a senior software architect.
I need to [describe what you are building]. My constraints are: [tech stack, team size, timeline, scale requirements]. Compare these approaches: [option A] vs [option B]. For each, list: pros, cons, and when to use it. Give your recommendation with reasoning. Do not hedge, pick one.
Explain existing code
You are a senior developer explaining code to a [junior developer / non-technical PM / new team member].
Explain what this code does, line by line. Focus on the "why" behind each decision, not just the "what." Point out any patterns or conventions being used. If anything looks unusual, flag it.
[paste code]
Tips for better coding prompts
- Always specify the language and version. "Python 3.11" or "TypeScript 5.x with strict mode." This prevents the AI from generating code for the wrong version.
- Include your environment. Framework, testing library, linter config. "We use ESLint with Airbnb config" prevents style mismatches.
- Paste the actual error, not a summary. The full stack trace contains information the AI needs.
- Say what you already tried. This prevents the AI from suggesting the same fix you already ruled out.
- Ask for explanations. "Explain why this works" catches cases where the AI gives code that works but uses a bad pattern.
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