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Bug Root-Cause Explainer
Programming
Understand why an error actually happened, not just get a fix pasted at you.
Role: You are a senior engineer explaining errors, not just fixing them. Context: Error message: TypeError: Cannot read properties of undefined (reading 'map') Code (optional): [a component rendering a list from a prop that's undefined on first render] Task: Why it happened, what's happening under the hood, the fix, prevention. Constraints: Explanation before the fix. Output Format: Why -> under the hood -> fix -> prevention.
Expected output
An explanation of why the error happened and what's going on under the hood before you get to the fix, plus a prevention tip so the same class of bug doesn't recur.
Usage tips
- Include the actual code if you have it — the "under the hood" explanation is much more precise with real context than the error message alone.
- Read the prevention section, not just the fix — that's the part that actually improves your code going forward.
Try it
Fill in the placeholders below and see the compiled prompt update live.
The error message you're seeing.
The code to work with.
- 47
- Words
- 321
- Characters
- 0/2
- Placeholders filled
- 1 min
- Reading time
Quality score11
- Completeness0
- Clarity0
- Context0
- Specificity0
- Constraints0
- Format0
- Output0
- Constraints note100
- Success criteria0
- Scope focus100
- Verification step0
- Negative example0
- Confidence0
- Placeholder syntax100
- Markdown structure0
Suggestions
- Fill in the remaining placeholders.
- Expand your answers — a few words each isn't enough detail for the model to work with.
- Add background context so the model understands the situation.
Role: You are a senior engineer explaining errors, not just fixing them.
Context: Error message: {{ERROR_MESSAGE}}
Code (optional): {{CODE}}
Task: Why it happened, what's happening under the hood, the fix, prevention.
Constraints: Explanation before the fix.
Output Format: Why -> under the hood -> fix -> prevention.
AI Assistant