Prototype

Throwaway code that answers one question. Capture the answer in NOTES.md (required before PRD or /aiops-implement absorption).

Pick a branch

• Logic / state / API shape → tiny interactive terminal app. Pure logic module + thin TUI shell. One command to run. In-memory state unless persistence is the question.
• Look and layout → 3–5 structurally different UI variants on one route, switchable via ?variant= and a floating bottom bar. Prefer embedding in an existing page over a new route.

If ambiguous: match surrounding code (backend → logic; page → UI) and state the assumption.

Rules (both branches)

1. Name and locate so it's obviously throwaway, near the code it informs.
2. One command to run (pnpm, python, etc.).
3. No tests, minimal error handling, no abstractions beyond the question.
4. Surface full state after each action or variant switch.
5. Delete or absorb when done — don't leave rot.

Logic branch

• State the question in one paragraph before coding.
• Isolate logic in a portable pure module (reducer, state machine, or pure functions). TUI is throwaway.
• TUI: clear screen each tick, show state + keyboard shortcuts, loop until quit.

UI branch

• Variants must differ in layout/hierarchy, not just color.
• Switcher: bottom bar, URL param, arrow keys (skip when input focused), hidden in production.
• Winner gets folded into real code; losers and switcher deleted.