Understanding Modes

Master Byteable AI Code's three-mode system to maximize your development productivity and code quality.

Byteable AI Code's three-mode system is designed to match your natural development workflow. Each mode serves a specific purpose and mindset, helping you approach problems with the right tools and perspective for maximum effectiveness.

The Three Modes

Plan Mode
Think before you build
  • • Purpose: Analysis and strategy
  • • Mindset: Thoughtful and deliberate
  • • Output: Plans, insights, and roadmaps
  • • Best for: Complex problems and new projects
Thinking
Build Mode
Execute with precision
  • • Purpose: Implementation and execution
  • • Mindset: Action-oriented and efficient
  • • Output: Code, files, and working solutions
  • • Best for: Clear tasks and known solutions
Building
Debate Mode
Explore and validate
  • • Purpose: Decision validation and exploration
  • • Mindset: Critical and comprehensive
  • • Output: Comparisons and recommendations
  • • Best for: Important decisions and trade-offs
Evaluating

Mode Flow and Transitions

Typical Development Flow
How modes work together in a real project
Plan
Analyze requirements
Debate
Choose approach
Build
Implement solution
Debate
Review & refine

When to Use Each Mode

Start with Plan Mode when:
  • • New project: Starting from scratch or unfamiliar territory
  • • Complex problem: Multiple moving parts or unclear requirements
  • • Learning: Exploring new technologies or concepts
  • • Architecture: Designing system structure or data flow
  • • Debugging: Understanding complex bugs or issues
Switch to Build Mode when:
  • • Clear path: You know exactly what needs to be done
  • • Implementation: Ready to write code or create files
  • • Routine tasks: Familiar patterns or repetitive work
  • • Quick fixes: Simple bugs or minor improvements
  • • Following plan: Executing a previously planned approach
Use Debate Mode when:
  • • Multiple options: Several valid approaches to consider
  • • Important decisions: Choices with significant long-term impact
  • • Trade-offs: Balancing performance, maintainability, or cost
  • • Code review: Evaluating existing solutions or proposals
  • • Team decisions: Building consensus on technical choices
Mode Switching Tips:
  • • Don't force it: Switch modes when your current approach isn't working
  • • Follow your instincts: If you feel stuck, try a different mode
  • • Iterate freely: Move between modes as needed throughout your work
  • • Start broad: Begin with Plan mode for new or complex work
  • • End with validation: Use Debate mode to review important decisions

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Building a New Feature

Plan Mode: Understanding Requirements

"Help me understand the user authentication requirements and design a secure login system."

Debate Mode: Choosing Technology

"Should I use JWT tokens, sessions, or OAuth? What are the trade-offs for each approach?"

Build Mode: Implementation

"Implement JWT authentication with refresh tokens using the planned architecture."

Example 2: Debugging a Performance Issue

Plan Mode: Investigation

"Analyze this slow API endpoint and help me understand what might be causing the performance issues."

Debate Mode: Solution Evaluation

"Compare database indexing vs. caching vs. query optimization for solving this performance problem."

Build Mode: Fix Implementation

"Add the recommended database indexes and implement Redis caching for this endpoint."

Mastering the Modes

Best Practices:

  • • Start with Plan mode for unfamiliar territory
  • • Use Debate mode for important decisions
  • • Switch to Build mode when the path is clear
  • • Don't hesitate to switch modes mid-conversation

Remember:

  • • Each mode has its own AI personality and approach
  • • Modes help you think differently about problems
  • • The right mode makes conversations more effective
  • • Practice switching modes to build intuition