> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://learn.nerdapp.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Prompt Nerd

> Get the best results from your AI software builder

## The golden rule

**Be concise and specific.** Tell Nerd exactly what you need in as few words as possible, while including all the important details.

<Warning>
  **Never** take your prompt to ChatGPT and ask it to "make it better." This usually makes prompts worse by adding unnecessary fluff. Your direct, clear description is what Nerd needs.
</Warning>

## Good prompts are concise and complete

Less is more, but don't leave out critical details.

<CodeGroup>
  ```text ✅ Good theme={null}
  "Create an online store for handmade jewelry with product categories, 
  shopping cart, and Stripe payment integration"
  ```

  ```text ❌ Too vague theme={null}
  "Build me a store"
  ```

  ```text ❌ Too wordy theme={null}
  "I would like to request the development of a comprehensive e-commerce 
  solution that encompasses various features and functionalities for the 
  purpose of selling handmade jewelry items..."
  ```
</CodeGroup>

## What to include in your prompt

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="1. What you're building" icon="bullseye">
    Start with the core purpose in one sentence.

    Examples:

    * "A CRM for managing real estate clients"
    * "An inventory management system for a warehouse"
    * "A booking platform for fitness classes"
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="2. Key features" icon="list-check">
    List the must-have features clearly and directly.

    Example:
    "Include user authentication, appointment scheduling, payment processing, and email notifications"
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="3. Important constraints" icon="shield">
    Mention any specific requirements or limitations.

    Examples:

    * "Must work on mobile"
    * "Should support multiple languages"
    * "Needs to handle 1000+ products"
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="4. User roles (if applicable)" icon="users">
    Specify who will use the platform and what they can do.

    Example:
    "Two user types: customers who can browse and order, and admins who can manage inventory and view reports"
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Prompt templates

Use these templates as starting points:

### For e-commerce platforms

```text theme={null}
"Create a [product type] store with [features]. 
Include [specific requirements]."

Example:
"Create a clothing store with size filters, wishlist, and customer reviews. 
Must work on mobile and support guest checkout."
```

### For business tools

```text theme={null}
"Build a [tool type] for [user type] that lets them [main actions]. 
Include [key features]."

Example:
"Build a project management tool for small teams that lets them 
create tasks, track time, and generate reports. Include calendar view."
```

### For custom platforms

```text theme={null}
"I need a platform where [users] can [primary function]. 
It should have [features] and support [requirements]."

Example:
"I need a platform where tutors can offer online lessons. 
It should have scheduling, messaging, and payment processing."
```

## Common mistakes to avoid

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Don't overthink it" icon="brain">
    Your first instinct is usually right. Write what you need and submit it.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Don't use ChatGPT" icon="ban">
    AI-generated prompts add fluff that confuses Nerd. Use your own words.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Don't write essays" icon="file-lines">
    Long paragraphs hide important details. Be direct and structured.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Don't assume Nerd knows" icon="question">
    If something is important to you, mention it explicitly.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Examples of great prompts

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Online marketplace" icon="store">
    ```
    "Create a marketplace for local services. Service providers can 
    create profiles and list their offerings. Customers can search by 
    location, book services, and leave reviews. Platform takes 15% 
    commission on bookings."
    ```

    **Why it's good:** Concise, covers all key features, includes business model details.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Internal tool" icon="screwdriver-wrench">
    ```
    "Build an employee directory with departments, contact info, and 
    org chart. Add a search function and let admins update employee data. 
    Export to CSV needed."
    ```

    **Why it's good:** Clear purpose, specific features, includes a technical requirement.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Content platform" icon="newspaper">
    ```
    "Create a blog platform where writers can publish articles with 
    rich text formatting. Include categories, tags, comments, and an 
    admin dashboard for moderation. Readers can follow writers."
    ```

    **Why it's good:** Explains user roles, lists features clearly, describes interactions.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Refining your platform

If Nerd's first attempt isn't quite right, tell it what to change:

<CodeGroup>
  ```text Adjusting features theme={null}
  "Add a dark mode toggle to the settings page"
  ```

  ```text Changing layout theme={null}
  "Move the navigation to the left sidebar instead of the top"
  ```

  ```text Fixing issues theme={null}
  "The mobile menu isn't closing when I select an item"
  ```

  ```text Adding details theme={null}
  "In the product page, show related items at the bottom"
  ```
</CodeGroup>

<Tip>
  **Remember:** You're having a conversation with Nerd. Start with your core idea, see what it builds, then refine from there.
</Tip>

## Payment integration

Nerd uses **Stripe** for payment processing. You don't need to mention Stripe explicitly in your prompts - just say "payment processing" or "checkout" and Nerd will handle the integration automatically.

## Quick checklist

Before submitting your prompt, ask yourself:

* [ ] Can I read this in under 30 seconds?
* [ ] Have I mentioned all the features that matter to me?
* [ ] Is it written in my own words (not AI-generated)?
* [ ] Would someone unfamiliar with my idea understand it?

If you answered yes to all four, you're ready to build!