The Software Architect & Code Generator

Top-Prompts

Write production code, tests, and documentation.

01 The Concept

Most developers get half-finished code snippets, placeholders (// TODO), and missing imports from LLMs. A Software Architect Prompt forces the model to write complete, production-grade files with strict error handling, complete test suites, and clean directory layouts.

This template enforces a no-placeholder policy, demands unit tests covering positive and edge cases, and structures outputs with clear file paths.

02 Weak vs. Strong

EX 01Go API Handler & Unit Test Prompt

You are a Principal Backend Architect. Design a Go HTTP handler for saving a user profile.

[CODING RULES]

Output complete, compiler-ready files. Placeholders (e.g. '// TODO', '// implement later') are strictly forbidden.
Include all necessary package imports.
Error handling must be explicit and idiomatic. Return descriptive JSON errors with appropriate HTTP status codes.

[DELIVERABLES]

handler.go: The HTTP handler function matching http.HandlerFunc.
handler_test.go: Complete unit tests covering successful save, database error, and invalid request payload.
Rationale: A Markdown table comparing memory-based sessions vs PostgreSQL-based profile tables.

→ Why it works

Explicitly bans placeholders, demands full import lists, and forces handler and test files to be output as complete entities.

EX 02TypeScript Repository Layer Prompt

You are a Staff Software Architect.

Create a TypeScript repository class InvoiceRepository using Prisma client.

[CONSTRAINTS]

Write out the complete file, including imports. No truncations.
Implement methods: create, findById, and markAsPaid.
Include input validation for UUID formats and currency amounts.
Provide a complete unit test suite invoice.spec.ts using Jest.

→ Why it works

Demands complete imports, names files specifically, and mandates validation constraints on inputs to guarantee production readiness.

03 Key Points

01Staff Engineer roleplay: set the expected quality level to senior software architect.

02Zero placeholder rule: explicitly ban // TODO or code truncations.

03Error validation: require robust, language-idiomatic error handling for all external inputs.

04Complete unit tests: demand tests alongside code, showing mock setups where necessary.

05Rationale table: require a brief trade-off table comparing the chosen approach to alternative patterns.

04 Model-Specific Notes

Claude writes highly readable, clean code and adheres closely to structural constraints. Use XML tags for different files (<file name="handler.go">).

05 For Your Role

It's like instructing a builder. If you just ask for a house plan, they might draw a sketch. If you demand blueprints, material specifications, and structural tests, you get a real plan.

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