Describe Before You Prescribe
Before asking Claude to change existing code, describe what it currently does. This 'before' picture helps Claude understand the delta between current and desired behavior, leading to precise edits instead of rewrites.
Where you'll practice this
One Promptles scenario teaches this principle directly.
The API Extension
You have an existing `GET /api/products` endpoint in `routes/products.ts` that returns all products from the database. You want to add a `search` query parameter so users can filter products by name. Currently the endpoint just calls `Product.findAll()` with no filters.
Other principles in Context
Declare the Tools You Need
Name the tool or MCP server by name, and say what to do if it isn't reachable.
Describe the Data Shape
Claude can't clean data it can't picture.
Explain the Integration Point
Keep Memory Reusable
Save patterns and preferences that survive across sessions; never save snapshots of finished work.
Map to Real Components
Use Code Connect so it reuses your components, not new markup.
Name the Framework