Coding agents are powerful tools that streamline code production, but they're often misused. The key to success is not just writing prompts but providing rich context and clear constraints.

Unlike autocomplete tools that predict the next line, or assistants that respond to simple requests, coding agents can interact with your repository, modify files, run tests, and iterate until they achieve a goal. This capability is transformative but requires a shift in how we delegate work.

The main pitfall is giving vague instructions, leading to unwanted code changes. The solution is to treat the agent like a junior developer: give it specific tasks, define acceptance criteria, and point it to relevant parts of the codebase.

Context matters more than the prompt itself. Existing architecture, naming conventions, and tests are crucial. By providing detailed context and constraints, you guide the agent to produce code that fits your project's needs. Remember, the programmer still does the heavy thinking—the agent is just a tool to execute the plan efficiently.