What Counts as a Working Prototype?
ACCEPTED ✓
Hardcoded Responses
Agent responds correctly to one specific input using a fixed answer. Proves the pipeline works end to end, even without real logic.
ACCEPTED ✓
Simulated Data
Agent uses a mock dataset or sample API response instead of live data. Valid until the real data source is connected.
ACCEPTED ✓
Partial Functionality
Agent handles one of the three planned scenarios correctly. The others are placeholders. This is exactly what Week 7 is for.
NOT ACCEPTED ✗
Nothing Running
A plan, a diagram, a description of what the agent will do. These are not prototypes. A prototype must execute.
Five Build Principles — All Tracks
01 — Build the happy path first.
Get the single most important scenario working end to end before adding any other feature. One complete path beats three half-paths.
02 — One component at a time.
Get the trigger working. Test it. Then add the first action. Test it. Then add the second. Do not wire everything and test at the end.
03 — Hardcode to unblock yourself.
If an API is not connected yet, hardcode a sample response and keep building. Remove the hardcode later. Do not let a missing integration stop the whole build.
04 — Log everything.
Every successful step deserves a comment, a log line, or a screenshot. When something breaks, your logs tell you where it broke.
05 — Define done before you start.
What does 'working' mean for your agent? Write it down before you start building. 'The agent reads a CSV and returns the three highest-revenue regions' is a definition of done. 'The agent works' is not.
✏️ Student Reflection
At the end of this build session: Write two sentences describing exactly what your prototype does right now — not what it will do, what it does. Then write one sentence describing the next specific thing you need to add. Add both to your project log.📝 Your Lesson Submission
Share your reflection, ask a question, or leave a comment. Your mentor will respond.
🔐
You need to be logged in to submit your reflection.
← Previous5.2 — Track Workshops: Setting Up Your Build Environment
Next →6.2 — Documentation and Ethics Review (Mid-Build)🔒 Submit reflection to unlock