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Debug an error with hypotheses

A debugging prompt that makes the model rank hypotheses and suggest the fastest checks instead of guessing a fix.

ChatGPTCodingRuleStack original

Written for GPT-6 (ChatGPT, Thinking) · Updated 2026-10-16

Note: Review and test before use. Provided as is, without warranty. See Terms.

I'm getting this error in [language/framework, version]:
```
[error and stack trace]
```
Relevant code:
```
[code]
```
What I expected: [expected]. What I tried: [attempts].
Give: the 3 most likely causes ranked with reasoning, the quickest check to confirm each, then the fix for the most likely cause. If you need more info, tell me exactly what to print or run.

Replace everything in [square brackets] with your own details.

Settings & parameters

• ChatGPT with Thinking (Medium/High); Codex for repo-wide debugging

Variations

• "Explain the root cause like I'm new to [framework]."

Tips

• Include versions; many bugs are version-specific.