Reference · How-to · ~8 min
How to scope an AI coding task with acceptance tests
Last updated
Bound the job before the assistant edits files.
Bound the job before the assistant edits files.
#Steps
1. Name **files in scope** and files off-limits.
2. Write **acceptance tests** or repro steps first.
3. Ask for a plan; approve the plan before a large diff.
4. Run tests locally; read the full diff.
5. Commit in small reviewable chunks (no secrets).
#Copy-paste prompt
Repo context: [paths]
Task: [one sentence]
Acceptance:
- [ ] test or command …
Out of scope: …
Return: plan with file list, then wait for approval before editing.