How to use this page: every trick shows the boring way (crossed out) and the better way. Pick the matching example — for web-dev practice or for admin tasks — tap Copy, and paste it straight into your AI chat.
Tell it what NOT to do
Sometimes the fastest way to get what you want is to rule out what you don't.
Explain why my CSS isn't centering. Don't use jargon like "flexbox" or "z-index" without explaining it first.
Plan my week's meals. Don't include seafood. Don't pick recipes with more than 5 ingredients.
Ask it to think out loud first
Ask for the reasoning before the answer — it catches mistakes before they reach you.
My navbar won't center. Before you give me the fix, explain your reasoning step by step so I actually understand it.
Before you give me a final weekly budget, show your reasoning for each category, step by step.
Ask for an exact format
AI often ignores loose formatting requests — spell out exactly what you want back.
Comment every section of this HTML, then explain each comment in one line underneath.
Give me my shopping list as a table with 3 columns: Item, Quantity, Estimated Price.
Show it an example — with your thinking
Don't just show input → output. Show input → your reasoning → output, so it copies the logic, not just the pattern.
Example — Task: make a delete button red. Reasoning: red signals danger. Code: background-color: red;. Now do the same for a "save" button.
Example — Task: cut the grocery bill. Reasoning: buy staples in bulk since I use them weekly. Now apply that same thinking to my electricity bill.
Rules first, then the ask
Put your standing context in one clear block, then your actual request — don't bury them together.
MY SITUATION: I'm a beginner, I only know HTML and CSS, no JavaScript yet. MY REQUEST: Help me build a responsive photo gallery.
MY SITUATION: I'm saving for a trip and prefer home-cooked meals. MY REQUEST: Build me a 2-week grocery budget.
Be creative vs. be precise
Tell it which mode you want — loose and imaginative, or exact and careful. It won't guess which one you meant.
Break big asks into small steps
Don't ask for the whole thing in one go — build it up, message by message.
Step 1: just the HTML structure for a contact form. (Next message) Step 2: now style it. (Next message) Step 3: now add a hover effect on the button.
Step 1: list all my monthly bills. (Next message) Step 2: now sort them into needs vs wants. (Next message) Step 3: now suggest where I could cut back.
Ask it to double-check itself
Before you accept the answer, make it review its own work first.
Now check your code: does it work on mobile? Are all the tags closed? Fix anything you find.
Now check this budget: does it actually add up to my income? Did you miss any bill? Fix anything you find.