The Data Dump

Starting with Complete Context

The Data Dump is the foundation of vibe coding. It’s where you transfer all project knowledge from your head to AI’s context. Without a thorough data dump, AI fills gaps with assumptions - usually wrong ones.

Think of it like briefing a new team member, except this team member has no implicit understanding of your industry, company, or goals. Everything must be explicit.

Why Data Dump First?

Both Traditional development and Vibe coding starts with understanding not with code.

1. AI has no context - It doesn’t know your constraints, users, or goals
2. Assumptions compound - Early misunderstandings cascade into architectural disasters
3. Words shape code - How you describe the project determines what gets built
4. Clarity forces clarity - Explaining to AI reveals your own fuzzy thinking

The Data Dump is an investment. Spend an hour here to save days later. The quality of your entire project depends on the quality of initial understanding.

The Complete Data Dump Process

Step 1: Gather Everything

Before talking to AI, collect:

• Existing project descriptions (formal and informal)
• Existing code or prototypes
• Unstructured Notes
• User Stories
• Technical constraints
• Business constraints
• Team capabilities

Don’t filter yet. Dump everything.

Step 2: Share Raw Information

Start with unprocessed information:

"I'm building a personal finance tracker. Here's all the context:

From my notes:
- Users complain existing apps are too complex
- Need to track expenses across multiple currencies  
- I travel frequently for work
- Privacy is critical - no cloud storage
- Must work offline
- Export for tax purposes
- Simple is better than feature-rich

From user research:
- Most people abandon finance apps after 2 weeks
- Main complaint: too much data entry
- Want to see spending patterns quickly
- Don't care about investment tracking

Technical context:
- I know React and Node
- Prefer not to learn new frameworks
- Have 3 months to build MVP
- Will be solo developer

Step 3: Request Comprehensive Understanding

Don’t let AI start coding. Force understanding first:

Based on all the information I've shared, please provide a comprehensive explanation of:

1. What this project is and what it aims to achieve
2. Who the target users are and their main pain points  
3. The core problems we're solving
4. The key constraints and requirements
5. What success looks like for this project

Do NOT provide technical solutions yet. Focus only on demonstrating 
deep understanding of the project context and goals.

Step 4: Verify Understanding

AI will respond with its interpretation. This is critical - read carefully and correct any misunderstandings:

"Your understanding is mostly correct, but let me clarify:
- When I said 'simple', I mean 'minimal features', not 'easy to implement'
- Multi-currency isn't for investment - it's for travel expenses
- Offline-first is non-negotiable, not a nice-to-have"

Once you feel like AI gets the project in multiple aspects we can again use AI to create structured documentataions.