ChatGPT Prompts for Coding
ChatGPT can write code, but without the right prompt, you'll spend more time fixing its output than if you'd written it yourself. These templates show you how to prompt ChatGPT for debugging, tests, refactoring, and explanations—with context and constraints that keep the AI on track.
Last updated · By the Prompt Orange team
Prompt examples you can copy & use
Debug a function
“Fix my code”
Too vague—AI has to guess what you want
“Debug this JavaScript function that's supposed to calculate the average of an array but returns NaN. Code: [paste code]. Explain the bug in plain English, then provide the corrected version with inline comments.”
Specific, clear, ready to use
Write tests
“Write tests for this”
Too vague—AI has to guess what you want
“Write Jest unit tests for the following React component [paste component]. Cover: rendering, user interactions, edge cases (null props, empty state). Use describe/it blocks and Testing Library. Aim for 85%+ coverage.”
Specific, clear, ready to use
Explain code
“What does this do?”
Too vague—AI has to guess what you want
“Explain the following TypeScript file [paste code] to a junior developer. Focus on: what problem it solves, how the main function works, and any non-obvious patterns used. Use simple language and avoid jargon.”
Specific, clear, ready to use
Refactor for readability
“Make this cleaner”
Too vague—AI has to guess what you want
“Refactor the following function [paste code] for readability. Goals: clear variable names, extract magic numbers into constants, add helpful comments. Do not change functionality. Explain what you changed and why.”
Specific, clear, ready to use
Tips for using ChatGPT for coding
Always paste the full error message and stack trace when debugging
Specify the language, version, and framework (e.g., 'React 18', 'Node.js 20')
Ask for explanations alongside code fixes to learn why something broke
Set constraints like 'do not rewrite the entire file' to avoid scope creep
Request inline comments for complex logic so you understand the code later