7 Prompt Patterns I Use to Turn ChatGPT Into a Reliable Coding Assistant

7 Prompt Patterns I Use to Turn ChatGPT Into a Reliable Coding Assistant Most people use ChatGPT like a search box: one vague question, one vague answer. For coding work, that breaks quickly. The model needs a repeatable operating frame: role, repo context, constraints, test plan, and a way to challenge its own output. Below are seven prompt patterns I use when I want an AI assistant to produce work I can actually ship. 1. The repo-context prompt You are a senior engineer joining this codebase.