Builder Basics

Build Your First Pickaxe

Go from blank canvas to working tool.

Beginner12 min read

Outcomes

Define one concrete job-to-be-done for your AI tool.

Write prompts that are specific, measurable, and testable.

Run test cases before sharing with users.

Define your inputs first

Before prompt writing, list exactly what users must provide. Inputs should be explicit and minimal to reduce confusion and improve output quality.

- Name every field in user language, not model language.

- Mark required vs optional fields.

- Include one realistic sample entry for each field.

Tell the model what format to produce and what quality bar to meet. This keeps generations consistent and easier to trust.

- Set a fixed structure (sections, bullets, JSON, or table).

- Ask for confidence notes when answers depend on assumptions.

- Require the model to cite missing context before guessing.

Use 3 to 5 realistic prompts from your actual workflow. Inspect where outputs drift and tighten instructions immediately.

Do not ship after one successful run. A stable Pickaxe should perform across edge cases, not just happy-path examples.