Prompts · Debugging

Explain this error like I'm new to the stack

Model notes: Fine on small local models (7B+)

Fill in the variables (optional — they're inserted live below):

Explain this error message in plain English: ``` {{error_message}} ``` Context: I'm using {{language_or_framework}}. Tell me: what it literally means, the 3 most common causes, how to check which one applies to me, and the usual fix for each. Keep it under 250 words.

How to use it

  1. Fill the variables above, or replace each {{variable}} after pasting.
  2. Paste into your AI tool (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Cursor, Claude Code, or a local model in Ollama/LM Studio).
  3. Review the output. Models make mistakes, especially with facts, numbers and code.
Pro Prompt Pack · US$12

Get all 209 prompts + agent workflows

Every prompt as Markdown and JSON, 10 multi-step agent workflows, and 12 ready-made slash commands for Cursor and Claude Code. Instant zip download, one-time purchase.

Buy the Pro Pack for US$12 What's inside

More Debugging prompts

Debugging

Root-cause a bug, don't patch symptoms

Strong reasoning model recommended

Variables: expectedactualstepserror_outputcode_or_files

Help me find the root cause of this bug. Don't propose a fix until we've confirmed the cause.

What I expected: {{expected}}
What happened: {{actual}}
Steps to reproduce: {{steps}}
Error / logs:
```
{{error_output}}
```
Relevant code: {{code_or_files}}

Process:
1. List 3-5 plausible hypotheses, ranked by likelihood, each with the evidence for and against.
2. For the top hypothesis, give me the single quickest experiment (log line, breakpoint, command) to confirm or rule it out.
3. Wait for my result before continuing.
Open & fill variables →
Debugging

Stack trace triage

Paste the full trace, not a screenshot

Variables: languagestack_trace

Here is a stack trace from {{language}}:

```
{{stack_trace}}
```

1. Identify the frame where the error originates in MY code (not library code) and explain why that's the likely culprit.
2. Explain the chain of calls that led there.
3. List what information is missing to be sure (variable values, inputs).
4. Suggest the exact log statements to add, with file and line, to capture that information.
Open & fill variables →
Debugging

Works locally, fails in production

Any model

Variables: environmentsymptomlocal_setupprod_setuplogs

My app works locally but fails in {{environment}}.

Symptom: {{symptom}}
Local setup: {{local_setup}}
Production setup: {{prod_setup}}
Logs from production: {{logs}}

Walk through the usual local-vs-prod differences one by one (env vars, build mode, file paths and case sensitivity, network/CORS, timeouts, memory, dependency versions, time zones, permissions, caching/CDN) and for each say whether it fits my symptom and how to check it. Finish with the top 3 suspects.
Open & fill variables →

New prompts every week

One short email with the best new prompts and agent workflows we've tested. Free; unsubscribe any time.