Iterating Code
Use for complex, multi-faceted topics requiring deep understanding, abstract/theoretical concepts, historical/academic subjects, or progressive knowledge building where synthesis is the goal.
3-Round Pattern
Round 1: Foundation
- •Goal: Establish baseline understanding
- •Explore: Core concepts, historical context, key figures
- •Focus: Breadth over depth
- •Output: Mental map
Round 2: Deep Dive
- •Goal: Understand relationships and nuances
- •Explore: How concepts relate, perspectives, debates
- •Focus: Connections between Round 1 findings
- •Output: Integrated understanding
Round 3: Synthesis
- •Goal: Advanced understanding, critical evaluation
- •Explore: Implications, contradictions, scholarly debates
- •Focus: Evaluate competing interpretations
- •Output: Sophisticated, multi-layered comprehension
Subagent Coordination
Parallel within rounds:
code
Round Goal
├─→ Agent 1: Aspect A
├─→ Agent 2: Aspect B
└─→ Agent 3: Aspect C
└─→ Synthesis
Sequential between rounds:
code
Round 1: Foundation
↓ (synthesize)
Round 2: Connections
↓ (synthesize)
Round 3: Analysis
↓ (final synthesis)
Final Understanding
Example: Chinese Women's History
Round 1 - Foundation:
- •Agent 1: Historical context (Ming-Qing)
- •Agent 2: Confucian patriarchy framework
- •Agent 3: Women's educational access
Round 2 - Connections:
- •Agent 1: Revisionist vs modernization narrative
- •Agent 2: Ko's footbinding & agency reinterpretation
- •Agent 3: Mann's "moral wives" & state ideology
Round 3 - Synthesis:
- •Agent 1: Modernization vs revisionist debate
- •Agent 2: Why "tradition" doesn't explain China's path
- •Agent 3: Implications for patriarchy and agency
Implementation Steps
- •
Define topic and angles
- •Round 1: 3 foundational aspects
- •Round 2: 3 connection/debate aspects
- •Round 3: 3 analytical/critical aspects
- •
Launch Round 1 (parallel agents)
- •
Synthesize Round 1 (patterns, connections)
- •
Launch Round 2 (refined by Round 1)
- •
Synthesize Round 2 (identify gaps)
- •
Launch Round 3 (critical analysis)
- •
Final synthesis (integrate all rounds)
Benefits
- •Progressive complexity (Foundation → Connections → Analysis)
- •Reduced cognitive load (focused rounds)
- •Better retention (step-by-step mental models)
- •Identifies gaps (each round reveals next steps)
- •Parallel efficiency (simultaneous investigation)
- •Synthesis moments (deliberate integration)
Key Principles
- •Clear round objectives (one goal per round)
- •Parallel within, sequential between
- •Synthesize after each round
- •Refine based on findings
- •Document connections (Round 1 → 2 → 3)