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How to Use AI as a Rubber Duck That Actually Pushes Back

DEV Community·Tal Vardi·6 months ago
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Rubber duck debugging works because explaining a problem forces you to think clearly. AI can do the same thing — but better, because it asks follow-up questions.

Here's a workflow I use when I'm stuck on a design decision or a gnarly bug. Takes about 10 minutes and consistently gets me unstuck.

Step 1: Dump your context, not your question

Most people open ChatGPT and ask "how do I fix X?" That's too narrow. Instead, give full context first:

I'm working on [system/feature]. Here's what I'm trying to accomplish: [goal]. Here's what I've tried: [approach 1], [approach 2]. Here's where I'm stuck: [specific blocker]. Don't give me a solution yet. Ask me clarifying questions until you understand the problem fully.

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That last line is the key.…

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