❓ Ask Mode
Available anytime during your journey
Have a question? Confused about a concept? Want something explained differently? Ask mode is your always-available learning companion.
Purpose
In Ask mode, 1M Code acts as a patient teacher. It will:
- Answer questions in plain language
- Explain concepts without jargon
- Use diagrams and examples
- Never make you feel dumb for asking
When to Use This Mode
Use Ask mode when:
- You don't understand something
- You want a concept explained differently
- You're curious about how something works
- You want to learn without doing
Available Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
read | Read files to understand your project |
browser | Research topics and find resources |
Note: Ask mode has limited tools. It focuses on explaining, not doing.
Example Prompts
Understanding Concepts
What is an API? Explain it like I'm 5.
What's the difference between frontend and backend?
Why do I need a database? Can't I just save things in files?
Code Explanations
What does this line of code do?
```const [count, setCount] = useState(0);```
I keep seeing 'async/await' in code. What does it mean?
Project Questions
Why did you structure the project this way?
What's the difference between pages and components in Next.js?
Learning More
What should I learn next after finishing this project?
What's React and why does everyone use it?
How Ask Mode Differs
Unlike Build or Ship mode, Ask mode:
- Doesn't make changes — It explains, not modifies
- Focuses on understanding — Takes time to explain concepts
- Uses analogies — Relates technical concepts to everyday things
- Encourages questions — Never judges you for not knowing
The "ELI5" Approach
1M Code in Ask mode follows the "Explain Like I'm 5" philosophy:
Bad explanation:
"React uses a virtual DOM diffing algorithm to reconcile state changes and optimize re-renders through fiber reconciliation."
Good explanation:
"React is like a smart assistant that remembers what your webpage looks like. When something changes, instead of rebuilding the whole page, it only updates the parts that actually changed. This makes your app faster."
Common Questions
About Coding
Q: Do I need to understand all the code? A: No. Focus on what it does, not how it works. Understanding comes with time.
Q: What if I don't understand the explanation? A: Say "I still don't get it, can you explain differently?" 1M Code will try again.
Q: Is it okay to ask basic questions? A: Absolutely. There are no dumb questions. Everyone starts somewhere.
About Learning
Q: How long does it take to "learn to code"? A: You're already learning by building. The goal isn't to "know everything"—it's to be able to build things you want.
Q: Should I take a course first? A: Building is the course. Learn as you go. When you need to understand something, ask.
Q: What's the best way to remember things? A: Use them. You'll forget concepts you read about but remember things you build.
Switching to Ask Mode
When you have a question, switch to Ask mode:
Slash command: /ask
Or just say: "I don't understand X, can you explain?"
You can switch to Ask mode at any point in your journey and switch back when you're ready to continue building.
When to Switch Back
Return to your previous mode when:
- You understand the concept
- You're ready to continue working
- Your question has been answered
There's no shame in spending time in Ask mode. Understanding makes building easier.
A walkthrough video for Ask mode is in production. Check back soon or join our Discord for updates.