# AI Coding Tip 003 - Force Read-Only Planning

> TL;DR: Set your AI code assistant to read-only state before it touches your files.

# Common Mistake ❌

You paste your failing call stack to your AI assistant without further instructions.

The copilot immediately begins modifying multiple source files.

It creates new [issues](https://maximilianocontieri.com/stop-calling-them-bugs) because it doesn't understand your full architecture yet.

You spend the next hour undoing its messy changes.

# Problems Addressed 😔

The AI modifies code that doesn't need changing.

The copilot starts typing before it reads the relevant functions.

The AI hallucinates when assuming a library exists without checking your *package.json*.

Large changes make code reviews and diffs a nightmare.

# How to Do It 🛠️

Enter Plan Mode: Use "Plan Mode/Ask Mode" if your tool has it.

If your tool doesn't have such a mode, you can add a meta-prompt

> Read this and wait for instructions / Do not change any files yet.

Ask the AI to read specific files and explain the logic there.

After that, ask for a *step-by-step* implementation plan for you to approve.

When you like the plan, tell the AI: "Now apply step 1."

# Benefits 🎯

Better Accuracy: The AI reasons better when focusing only on the "why."

Full Control: You catch logic errors before they enter your codebase.

Lower Costs: You use fewer tokens when you avoid "trial and error" coding loops.

Clearer Mental Model: You understand the fix as well as the AI does.

# Context 🧠

AI models prefer "doing" over "thinking" to feel helpful. This is called *impulsive coding*.

When you force it into a read-only phase, you are simulating a Senior Developer's workflow.

You deal with the Artificial Intelligence first as a consultant and later as a developer.

# Prompt Reference 📝

Bad prompt 🚫

<!-- [Gist Url](https://gist.github.com/mcsee/951729e741ef912aeeeefb212a6e7807) -->

```markdown
Fix the probabilistic predictor
in the Kessler Syndrome Monitor component 
using this stack dump.
```

Good prompt 👉

<!-- [Gist Url](https://gist.github.com/mcsee/b57bca96aa50d1943c0d5f55f0a78b92) -->

```markdown
Read @Dashboard.tsx and @api.ts. Do not write code yet.
Analyze the stack dump.
When you find the problem, explain it to me.
Then, write a Markdown plan to fix it, restricted to the REST API.
[Activate Code Mode]
Create a failing test representing the error.
Apply the fix and run the tests until all are green
```

# Considerations ⚠️

Some simple tasks do not need a plan.

You must actively read the plan the AI provides.

The AI might still hallucinate the plan, so verify it.

# Type 📝

[X] Semi-Automatic

# Limitations ⚠️

You can use this for refactoring and complex features.

You might find it too slow for simple CSS tweaks or typos.

Some AIs go the other way around, being *too confirmative* before changing anything. Be patient with them.

# Tags 🏷️

- Complexity

# Level 🔋

[X] Intermediate

# Related Tips 🔗

Request small, atomic commits.

# Conclusion 🏁

You save time when you think.

You must force the AI to be your architect before letting it be your builder.

This simple strategy prevents hours of debugging later. 🧠

# More Information ℹ️

%[https://github.blog/ai-and-ml/github-copilot/copilot-ask-edit-and-agent-modes-what-they-do-and-when-to-use-them/]

%[https://www.thepromptwarrior.com/p/windsurf-vs-cursor-which-ai-coding-app-is-better]

%[https://aider.chat/docs/usage/modes.html]

%[https://opencode.ai/docs/modes/]

# Also Known As 🎭

Read-Only Prompting

Consultant Mode

# Tools 🧰

| Tool               | Read-Only Mode | Write Mode       | Mode Switching    | Open Source     | Link                                |
|--------------------|----------------|------------------|-------------------|-----------------|-------------------------------------|
| **Windsurf**       | Chat Mode      | Write Mode       | Toggle            | No              | https://windsurf.com/               |
| **Cursor**         | Normal/Ask     | Agent/Composer   | Context-dependent | No              | https://www.cursor.com/             |
| **Aider**          | Ask/Help Modes | Code/Architect   | `/chat-mode`      | Yes             | https://aider.chat/                 |
| **GitHub Copilot** | Ask Mode       | Edit/Agent Modes | Mode selector     | No              | https://github.com/features/copilot |
| **Cline**          | Plan Mode      | Act Mode         | Built-in          | Yes (extension) | https://cline.bot/                  |
| **Continue.dev**   | Chat/Ask       | Edit/Agent Modes | Config-based      | Yes             | https://continue.dev/               |
| **OpenCode**       | Plan Mode      | Build Mode       | Tab key           | Yes             | https://opencode.ai/                |
| **Claude Code**    | Review Plans   | Auto-execute     | Settings          | No              | https://code.claude.com/            |
| **Replit Agent**   | Plan Mode      | Build/Fast/Full  | Mode selection    | No              | https://replit.com/agent3           |

# Disclaimer 📢

The views expressed here are my own.

I am a human who writes as best as possible for other humans. 

I used AI proofreading tools to improve some texts.

I welcome constructive criticism and dialogue.

I shape these insights through 30 years in the software industry, 25 years of teaching, and writing over 500 articles and a book.

* * *

This article is part of the *AI Coding Tip* series.