3.5 — Iterative Refinement Techniques

CCAR-F Domain 3 · Task 3.5

What You Need to Know

Iterative refinement steers Claude Code towards the right result over several rounds. Five techniques:

Technique Hierarchy

Priority	Technique	Best for
1	Concrete input/output examples	Inconsistent interpretation of a known transformation
2	Test-driven iteration	Complex transformations with many edge cases
3	Interview pattern	Unfamiliar domains (Claude asks questions first)
—	Batch feedback	Multiple issues that interact with each other
—	Sequential feedback	Multiple independent issues

Key Concept: Interview pattern is for unfamiliar domains (surface missed considerations). Concrete examples are for when you know the exact transformation but the model interprets it inconsistently. Do not confuse the two.

Batch vs Sequential

• Batch (one message) when fixes interact
• Sequential when issues are independent

Switching From Prose to Examples

1. Observe inconsistency
2. Switch to 2–3 concrete before/after pairs
3. Verify generalisation on a new case
4. Add edge-case examples if needed

Exam Traps

• Refining prose when the model interprets inconsistently (switch to examples)
• Sending interacting fixes one message at a time
• Using the interview pattern when you already know the exact transformation