Talk it through first
Emergent agents can talk through your idea before writing a single line of code. This article shows when to discuss, how a discussion turns into a build with Plan mode, and why talking first usually costs you less.
Discussion uses fewer credits than building
Every agent turn bills per token, including planning and discussion (see How credits work). But a discussion turn produces far less output than a build turn, so talking an idea through draws down noticeably fewer credits than building does. It is not free, it is the cheap part.
The agent can also help you decide which app type fits your project (Full Stack App, Mobile App, Landing Page, or Brainstorm) before you commit.
If you're unsure whether your idea needs a database, user logins, or connections to other services, just ask. The agent will help you choose the right starting point.
When to discuss vs. jump straight in
Start with a discussion if:
- You're not sure exactly what you want yet (explore options, compare approaches).
- You need to decide between Full Stack App, Mobile App, or Landing Page app types and want guidance on which capabilities you'll actually need.
- Your project involves integrations, scheduling, or connections to other services and you want to understand what's possible before committing.
- You want the agent to sketch a rough plan or structure before generating files.
Jump straight to building if:
- You have a clear, specific request: "Build a landing page with a hero section and email signup form."
- You've already chosen the right app type and know your project requirements.
- You're iterating on an existing app and just need a quick feature add.
A short discussion often saves credits later by ensuring the agent sets up the right structure from the start.
Plan mode: see the plan before any code
For anything non-trivial, use Plan mode, the composer has a Build / Plan switcher (a pill-shaped toggle; you can also press ⌥P). In Build mode (the default), the agent starts working as soon as you send your prompt. In Plan mode, it doesn't build yet:
- Send your prompt with the switcher set to Plan.
- The agent produces its proposed approach as a plan proposal card in the chat.
- The card gives you two options, Request changes or Looks good, let's build it. Use whichever suits you: request changes as many times as you need, and when the plan looks right, approve it.
- Only when you approve does the agent start building, and the chat-to-publish flow begins.
Plan mode already knows the whole context of your app, so it's also the easiest way to shape a rough idea into a clear plan.
Plan mode is not available in Brainstorm and E3 sessions.
When you enable Maxx mode, the agent plans more thoroughly and runs deeper validation. This produces higher-quality results but consumes significantly more credits. Maxx mode is available on Pro plans only. Save Maxx for the final build, not the planning phase.
If something looks wrong
If the agent seems to be generating code during a planning conversation when you only wanted to talk, just say:
"Wait - I'm not ready to build yet. I just want to discuss options."
The agent will stop and switch back to advisory mode. You can continue the discussion and restart when you're ready.
Go deeper: Understanding models (E1/E2/E3 & Maxx)
