Summary
- Do not let an old impression replace a current check.
- Confirm the problem boundary before selecting tools.
- State uncertainty directly.
Observe First
Many mistakes begin with interpretation that arrives too early. Before acting, check what the page shows, what the file contains, and whether the service is actually running. These simple observations narrow the problem quickly.
Observation comes before explanation.
Then Form a Hypothesis
Observation does not automatically produce an answer, but it constrains the possibilities. A useful hypothesis can be confirmed or rejected by the next check rather than merely sounding plausible.
Choose the Tool Last
The tool should follow the problem. Once the boundary is clear, it becomes easier to decide whether the work needs a browser, an API, a terminal, or human judgment.