Explain this error prompt template
Decode a stack trace or error message into a plain-language root cause, the most likely fixes, and a quick way to confirm which one is right.
Free to copy3 fill-in variablesWorks with any text-based AI model
Copy the prompt
Keep the instruction intact and replace each double-braced field with your own context.
Explain this error
I hit this error and need help understanding it.
Language / runtime: {{language}}
What I was doing when it happened: {{context}}
Error output:
```
{{error}}
```
Please:
1. Translate the error into plain language - what does it actually mean?
2. Identify the single most likely root cause based on the message and context,
and list any other plausible causes ranked by likelihood.
3. Give the smallest change that would fix the most likely cause, with a code
snippet.
4. Tell me one quick check or command I can run to confirm the cause before I
change anything.
If the error output is missing information you need (such as the failing line or
a relevant config value), tell me exactly what to paste next.
Fill in the variables
Use the examples as a shape, not as required wording.
{{language}}- Language or runtime that produced the errorExample: Node.js 20 / TypeScript
{{context}}- What you were doing when the error appearedExample: running the dev server after adding a new API route
{{error}}- The full error message or stack trace, pasted verbatimExample: TypeError: Cannot read properties of undefined (reading 'map') at Home (src/pages/index.tsx:14:22)
Filled-in example
This shows the template with realistic inputs before it is sent to a model.
I hit this error and need help understanding it.
Language / runtime: Node.js 20 / TypeScript
What I was doing when it happened: running the dev server after adding a new API route
Error output:
```
TypeError: Cannot read properties of undefined (reading 'map')
at Home (src/pages/index.tsx:14:22)
```
Please: 1) translate it, 2) rank likely causes, 3) give the smallest fix with a
snippet, 4) give one quick check to confirm the cause first.
How to use this template
Three checks keep the result useful and grounded in your actual task.
- Give it real context.Replace every variable and remove any instruction that does not apply.
- Run it in your preferred model.The template is plain text, so it works with ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and local models.
- Review before you rely on it.Check facts, code, claims, and sensitive information; then save the wording that performed best.