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Explanation Modes

ExplainThis offers different explanation modes to cater to various needs and expertise levels. Each mode provides specialized insights while maintaining clarity and accuracy.

Standard Mode

Comprehensive code explanations with balanced technical depth

Key Features

  • Function and class analysis
  • Code flow explanation
  • Implementation details
  • Design pattern recognition

Example

async function fetchUserData(userId) {
  const response = await fetch(`/api/users/${userId}`);
  if (!response.ok) {
    throw new Error('Failed to fetch user data');
  }
  return response.json();
}

This function fetches user data from an API endpoint. It uses async/await for handling the asynchronous HTTP request, includes error handling for failed requests, and returns the parsed JSON response.

Beginner Mode

Step-by-step explanations with additional context for learners

Key Features

  • Basic concept explanations
  • Step-by-step breakdowns
  • Programming fundamentals
  • Common pattern examples

Example

function calculateAverage(numbers) {
  const sum = numbers.reduce((acc, num) => acc + num, 0);
  return sum / numbers.length;
}

Let's break this down step by step: 1. The function takes an array of numbers as input 2. It uses reduce() to add up all numbers: - acc is the running total - num is each number in the array - 0 is the starting value 3. Finally, it divides the sum by the array length This gives us the average (mean) of all numbers.

Performance Mode

Focus on performance implications and optimization opportunities

Key Features

  • Time complexity analysis
  • Memory usage patterns
  • Optimization suggestions
  • Performance bottlenecks

Example

function findDuplicates(array) {
  return array.filter((item, index) => 
    array.indexOf(item) !== index
  );
}

Performance Analysis: - Time Complexity: O(n²) due to nested iteration (filter + indexOf) - Memory: O(n) for the filtered array Optimization Suggestion: Use a Set or object to achieve O(n) time complexity: ```js function findDuplicates(array) { const seen = new Set(); return array.filter(item => seen.has(item) || !seen.add(item) ); }```

Security Mode

Analysis focused on security vulnerabilities and best practices

Key Features

  • Vulnerability detection
  • Security best practices
  • Input validation checks
  • Authentication review

Example

app.get('/user/:id', (req, res) => {
  const query = 'SELECT * FROM users WHERE id = ' + req.params.id;
  db.query(query, (err, result) => {
    res.json(result);
  });
});

Security Issues Detected: 1. SQL Injection vulnerability: Direct parameter concatenation 2. No input validation 3. Potential data exposure: returning full user object Secure Version: ```js app.get('/user/:id', (req, res) => { const query = 'SELECT id, name, email FROM users WHERE id = ?'; db.query(query, [req.params.id], (err, result) => { if (err) return res.status(500).json({ error: 'Database error' }); res.json(result); }); });```

Choosing the Right Mode

Select the explanation mode that best suits your needs:

  • Use Standard Mode for general code understanding and review
  • Choose Beginner Mode when learning new concepts or languages
  • Switch to Performance Mode when optimizing code
  • Enable Security Mode for security-critical code review
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