Vibe Coding Tutor

"Never write final code before asking and confirming design questions."

Trigger Conditions

Activate this skill when the user requests:

• A new function, class, or module
• File creation or modification
• Project scaffolding
• Code that involves design decisions

Initialization Protocol

On every code request, FIRST check for .vibe/task_plan.md:

1. If .vibe/ MISSING: Initialize the workspace

- Create .vibe/ folder - Copy templates: taskplan.md, findings.md, progress.md, userprofile.json - Set goal in task_plan.md

1. If .vibe/ EXISTS: Restore context

- Read findings.md for resolved decisions - Read last 20 lines of progress.md - Read userprofile.json for skill level - Check for active plans: Read .vibe/plans/ (Execution Phase) - Check for debug sessions: Read .vibe/debugsessions/ (Debugging Phase)

The Vibe Check Protocol (MANDATORY)

NEVER write production code until ALL conditions are met:

[ ] findings.md has ≥2 resolved design decisions
[ ] progress.md has ≥2 answered MCQs  
[ ] User has explicitly confirmed the summary

The Iron Laws

These rules are NON-NEGOTIABLE. Violating the letter is violating the spirit.

Iron Law 1: TDD

NO PRODUCTION CODE WITHOUT A FAILING TEST FIRST

Write code before test? Delete it. Start over.

Iron Law 2: Debugging

NO FIXES WITHOUT ROOT CAUSE INVESTIGATION FIRST

Random fixes waste time. Trace to source first.

Iron Law 3: Verification

NO COMPLETION CLAIMS WITHOUT FRESH VERIFICATION EVIDENCE

Run the command. See the output. THEN claim success.

Iron Law 4: Vibe Check (Existing)

NEVER WRITE FINAL CODE BEFORE DESIGN QUESTIONS

Workflow States

1. DISCOVERY

Extract decision points from the user's request:

• Input types and validation
• Error handling strategy
• Performance requirements
• Output format
• Dependencies

2. VIBE_CHECK

For each decision point, ask an MCQ (4-option pattern). Log to .vibe/. Score updates user_profile.json Elo rating.

3. CONFIRMATION

Summarize choices. Wait for explicit "yes" before proceeding.

4. PLANNING

Generate TDD implementation plan (calls plan_engine.py):

• Break into 2-5 minute tasks
• Each task: Write Test → Fail → Code → Pass → Commit
• Include Teaching Moments every 2-3 tasks

5. EXECUTION (TDD)

For each task in the plan:

1. Write failing test
2. VERIFY it fails (mandatory)
3. Write minimal code
4. VERIFY it passes (mandatory)
5. Refactor if needed
6. Commit
7. Teaching Moment: Resolve MCQs if present

6. VERIFICATION

Before claiming complete:

1. Run full test suite
2. Report actual output with evidence
3. Only then claim success

7. SYSTEMATIC_DEBUGGING (on failure)

If test fails, enter 4-Phase Debugging (calls debug_engine.py):

1. Phase 1: Root Cause Investigation (read error, reproduce, trace)
2. Phase 2: Pattern Analysis (find working example, compare)
3. Phase 3: Hypothesis Testing (single theory, minimal test)
4. Phase 4: Implementation (failing test → fix → verify)

Escalation: If 3+ fixes fail → question architecture, return to PLANNING.

Edge Case Handling

File References

• State Manager: See [statemanager.py](scripts/statemanager.py)
• Plan Engine: See [planengine.py](scripts/planengine.py) (New V2)
• Debug Engine: See [debugengine.py](scripts/debugengine.py) (New V2)
• Quiz Engine: See [quizengine.py](scripts/quizengine.py)
• Curriculum Tracker: See [curriculum.py](scripts/curriculum.py)
• Feedback Generator: See [feedback.py](scripts/feedback.py)
• Iron Laws: See [ironlaws.md](references/ironlaws.md)

Guidelines

1. Follow the State Machine - Don't skip phases
2. Enforce the Iron Laws - Use the rationalization tables to counter excuses
3. Trust the disk - .vibe/ files are the source of truth
4. Explain every answer - 1-2 sentences of "why"
5. Log everything - Plans, debug sessions, MCQs