pre-thread checklist
simple yes/no checklist before starting an amp thread.
context
- did you include file references (
@path/to/file) in your prompt? - is your prompt between 300-1500 characters?
- did you provide test/verification context if this involves code changes?
scope
- is this a single, well-defined task (not multiple unrelated asks)?
- if complex, can you break it into 2-6 independent subtasks?
style
- are you using interrogative or contextual framing (not pure commands)?
- does your opener avoid vague phrases like “im…” or “following:“?
expectations
- are you prepared to steer if needed (agent recovers 87% of the time)?
- will you approve good work explicitly to reinforce correct behavior?
sweet spot: 26-50 turns, approval:steering > 2:1, file anchors in opener.