15 Advanced ChatGPT Prompts for Developers (2025)

1. ???? “Explain this code like I’m five.”

Use it to simplify complex snippets, especially when dealing with legacy or unfamiliar codebases.

Prompt: Explain this JavaScript recursion function like I’m five.

2. ???? “Convert this code from X to Y.”

Great for migrating stacks or testing new languages.

Prompt: Convert this Python script into Go with idiomatic syntax.

3. ???? “Find bugs and suggest improvements.”

Get an AI-powered second opinion on your logic and structure.

Prompt: Review this function for bugs and suggest optimizations.

4. ???? “Design a scalable architecture for…”

Perfect for planning backend systems or microservices.

Prompt: Design a scalable architecture for a ride-sharing app using AWS.

5. ???? “Write unit tests using best practices.”

Speed up your testing routine without compromising quality.

Prompt: Generate unit tests in Jest for this React component.

6. ???? “Optimize for performance.”

Get tips to improve runtime, memory, or database efficiency.

Prompt: Optimize this SQL query for large datasets.

7. ???? “Summarize this GitHub repo.”

Useful when onboarding or exploring open-source tools.

Prompt: Give me a summary of the key files and purpose of this repo.

8. ???? “Simulate a mock technical interview.”

Great for job prep or team training.

Prompt: Act as an interviewer and ask me 3 Java backend interview questions with feedback.

9. ???? “Explain errors like a mentor.”

Turn cryptic stack traces into actionable advice.

Prompt: Explain this Java error message like a mentor would.

10. ???? “Create REST API endpoints.”

Accelerate backend scaffolding and documentation.

Prompt: Write REST API endpoints for a blog CMS in Express.js.

11. ???? “Suggest design patterns for this use case.”

Make your codebase more maintainable with the right architecture.

Prompt: Suggest appropriate design patterns for implementing a payment gateway.

12. ???? “Add security measures to this code.”

Catch vulnerabilities and improve safety.

Prompt: What security improvements can I add to this Node.js login handler?

13. ???? “Refactor this for readability.”

Make legacy or messy code easier to understand.

Prompt: Refactor this TypeScript function for readability and maintainability.

14. ⏳ “Estimate development time.”

Useful for planning tasks and sprints with realistic expectations.

Prompt: Estimate how long it would take to build a task manager app with Firebase backend.

15. ???? “Generate a project boilerplate.”

Jumpstart your next project with a ready-to-use template.

Prompt: Generate a boilerplate for a Next.js app with Tailwind, Auth, and MongoDB.

✅ Final Tip:

You don’t need to memorize all these—just save this post. Better yet, create a Notion template or bookmark list with these prompts for easy access during coding sessions.

The power of ChatGPT lies not in its intelligence, but in your prompt precision. Start using these 15 now, and watch your workflow transform.