Oracle Consultation
Oracle is an expensive, high-quality reasoning model (GPT-5.2). Use it wisely.
When TO Consult Oracle
| Trigger | Action |
|---|---|
| Complex architecture design | Oracle FIRST, then implement |
| After completing significant work | Oracle review before marking complete |
| 2+ failed fix attempts | Oracle for debugging guidance |
| Unfamiliar code patterns | Oracle to explain behavior |
| Security/performance concerns | Oracle for analysis |
| Multi-system tradeoffs | Oracle for architectural decision |
When NOT to Consult Oracle
- Simple file operations (use direct tools)
- First attempt at any fix (try yourself first)
- Questions answerable from code you've read
- Trivial decisions (variable names, formatting)
- Things you can infer from existing code patterns
Usage Pattern
- Announce: "Consulting Oracle for [reason]"
- Provide context: Include relevant code, error messages, what you've tried
- Ask specific question: Not vague "what should I do?"
- Act on response: Implement Oracle's recommendation
What Oracle Returns
Oracle structures responses as:
- Bottom line: 2-3 sentence recommendation
- Action plan: Numbered implementation steps
- Effort estimate: Quick (<1h) / Short (1-4h) / Medium (1-2d) / Large (3d+)
Oracle Prompt Template
Context: [What you're working on]
Problem: [Specific issue or decision needed]
Tried: [What you've already attempted]
Question: [Specific question for Oracle]
Relevant code:
[code snippets]
Cost Awareness
Oracle invocations are expensive. Before invoking:
- Can I answer this from code I've already read?
- Is this my first attempt (try yourself first)?
- Is this genuinely complex or am I being lazy?