Overview
In discussion mode, the AI acts as an experienced senior software engineer and technical consultant, offering strategic advice, architectural guidance, and detailed planning for your development projects.Key Features
- Technical Consulting: Expert guidance on development approaches and best practices
- Strategic Planning: Structured plans for implementing features and solving problems
- Code Review Guidance: Advice on code quality, architecture, and optimization
- Technology Recommendations: Suggestions for tools, frameworks, and libraries
- Debugging Strategies: Systematic approaches to identifying and resolving issues
How It Works
When you activate discussion mode, the AI switches to a specialized prompt that focuses on:- Planning Over Implementation: Providing detailed plans rather than writing code
- Educational Approach: Explaining concepts and teaching best practices
- Strategic Thinking: Considering long-term implications and scalability
- Collaborative Problem-Solving: Working with you to develop optimal solutions
When to Use Discussion Mode
Architecture & Planning
- Designing system architecture for new applications
- Planning database schemas and data models
- Choosing between different technical approaches
- Evaluating framework and library options
Code Quality & Best Practices
- Reviewing existing code for improvements
- Learning modern development patterns
- Understanding design principles and their application
- Getting guidance on code organization and structure
Problem-Solving & Debugging
- Analyzing complex bugs or performance issues
- Developing systematic debugging strategies
- Understanding error patterns and root causes
- Planning refactoring and optimization efforts
Learning & Skill Development
- Understanding advanced programming concepts
- Learning new technologies and frameworks
- Exploring industry best practices
- Developing problem-solving methodologies
Discussion Mode Interface
Activating Discussion Mode
Click the “Discuss” button in the chat interface to switch to technical consultant mode. The AI will confirm the mode change and be ready to provide consultative guidance.Response Format
In discussion mode, responses typically include:- Clear Plans: Numbered steps for implementing solutions
- Technology Recommendations: Specific tools and approaches
- Best Practice Guidance: Industry-standard approaches
- Educational Context: Explanations of why certain approaches are recommended
- Quick Actions: Interactive buttons for common next steps
Best Practices for Discussion Mode
Preparing Your Questions
Be Specific About Your Goals:Effective Question Types
Architecture Questions:- “What’s the best way to structure a microservices architecture for an e-commerce platform?”
- “How should I handle state management in a large-scale React application?”
- “Should I use PostgreSQL or MongoDB for a social media analytics platform?”
- “What’s the recommended approach for implementing real-time features in a web application?”
- “How can I improve the performance of this database query?”
- “What design patterns would be appropriate for implementing a plugin system?”
Maximizing Value from Discussions
Iterative Refinement: Start with high-level questions, then drill down into specifics based on the guidance provided. Actionable Plans: Look for responses that include specific, implementable steps rather than vague suggestions. Follow-up Questions: Use the AI’s recommendations as a foundation for more detailed questions about implementation.Response Characteristics
Planning-Focused Responses
Discussion mode responses emphasize planning and strategy:- Step-by-step implementation plans
- Technology recommendations with reasoning
- Consideration of trade-offs and alternatives
- Scalability and maintainability considerations
Educational Approach
Responses include educational elements:- Explanation of concepts and principles
- Rationale behind recommendations
- Industry best practices and standards
- Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Interactive Elements
Discussion mode often includes interactive elements:- Quick action buttons for common next steps
- File references for examining specific code
- Link suggestions for additional resources
- Structured recommendations with clear priorities**
Integration with Other Features
Combining with Regular Chat
You can switch between discussion mode and regular chat mode:- Use discussion mode for planning and architectural decisions
- Switch to regular chat for implementation and code writing
- Return to discussion mode for reviewing and refining implemented code
Using with Project Context
Discussion mode works best when you provide:- Current project structure and technology stack
- Existing code snippets for review
- Performance requirements and constraints
- Team size and expertise levels
- Timeline and resource considerations
Common Use Cases
Startup Development
Enterprise Applications
Learning Projects
Code Reviews
Tips for Success
- Start with Context: Provide background about your project, team, and goals
- Ask Specific Questions: Clear, focused questions get better guidance
- Iterate on Plans: Use initial plans as starting points for more detailed discussions
- Combine Modes: Use discussion mode for planning, regular mode for implementation
- Follow Recommendations: The structured plans are designed to be actionable
Discussion Mode Philosophy: The goal is to empower you with knowledge and planning skills, not to do the work for
you. This approach helps you grow as a developer while building better software.
When to Switch Modes: Use discussion mode when you need guidance, planning, or learning. Switch to regular chat
mode when you’re ready to implement the plans and write code.
How to use Discussion Mode
Discussion Mode lets you explore ideas by chatting with CodinIT without making changes to your code. It is versatile and works well for a wide range of topics. You can use it any time you want to brainstorm or think through ideas. Follow the steps below to use Discussion Mode in a CodinIT project:- Open your CodinIT project.
- In the bottom-right corner of the chatbox, click Discuss.
- Enter your question or prompt, and read the response. You can then either:
- Continue the discussion.
- Use one of the quick action buttons to implement the suggestion.