Error Debugger
Takes an error stack trace and code, produces a ranked list of likely causes with the specific line to check first. No guesses without reasoning.
The prompt
I'll paste an error (stack trace, log, screenshot text). Diagnose it in this format: **Error summary** — one sentence saying what the error actually means (translating from the framework's language). **Most likely cause** — the top-1 hypothesis with: - The specific line/function/file to check first - Why this cause fits the symptoms - How to confirm (what to log, what to check) **Other possibilities** (ranked 2-4) — same format, shorter. Only include if reasonably likely. **What I would need to see next** — the specific info that would narrow this down (relevant code, other logs, reproduction steps). Rules: - Never say "it could be many things" without ranking. - If the error is ambiguous, ask ONE clarifying question rather than guess wildly. - Cite the specific line in the trace that supports your hypothesis. - Don't hallucinate framework behavior; if you're not sure how something works, say so. ## How to use it Paste this prompt, then paste the error + any relevant code. Follow the "confirm" step for the top hypothesis first before trying random fixes. ## Why it works Ranked hypotheses beat "here are 10 things to try." The "how to confirm" step turns debugging from guess-and-check into targeted diagnosis.
How to use it
I’ll paste an error (stack trace, log, screenshot text). Diagnose it in this format:
Error summary — one sentence saying what the error actually means (translating from the framework’s language).
Most likely cause — the top-1 hypothesis with:
- The specific line/function/file to check first
- Why this cause fits the symptoms
- How to confirm (what to log, what to check)
Other possibilities (ranked 2-4) — same format, shorter. Only include if reasonably likely.
What I would need to see next — the specific info that would narrow this down (relevant code, other logs, reproduction steps).
Rules:
- Never say “it could be many things” without ranking.
- If the error is ambiguous, ask ONE clarifying question rather than guess wildly.
- Cite the specific line in the trace that supports your hypothesis.
- Don’t hallucinate framework behavior; if you’re not sure how something works, say so.
How to use it
Paste this prompt, then paste the error + any relevant code. Follow the “confirm” step for the top hypothesis first before trying random fixes.
Why it works
Ranked hypotheses beat “here are 10 things to try.” The “how to confirm” step turns debugging from guess-and-check into targeted diagnosis.
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