What is the "prompt-and-pray" anti-pattern, and what does a healthier workflow look like?

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Re-explain

Prompt-and-pray means sending a vague request, accepting a large result, and hoping it works without controlling scope or gathering evidence.

Define the goal, relevant context, constraints, non-goals, and acceptance criteria.
Ask for a plan when the work is nontrivial, then correct faulty assumptions.
Make one small, reviewable batch and inspect its complete diff.
Run focused checks before continuing; require approval for risky commands.
Refine the specification or context when results are wrong.

The assistant drafts and explains work. The engineer controls direction, permissions, and the evidence required for acceptance.

Rewriting in plainer words…

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