QUICKSTART.md

🎮 Quick Start Guide - Eidolon Cognitive Tutor

🚀 Get Started in 30 Seconds

Step 1: Pick Your Learning Mode

Click one of the mode buttons at the top:

• 📚 Standard - Start here if you're unsure
• 🤔 Socratic - Answer questions to learn
• 👶 ELI5 - Super simple explanations
• 🔬 Technical - Deep technical details
• 🎭 Analogy - Learn through comparisons
• 💻 Code - See code examples

Step 2: Set Your Difficulty

Drag the slider:

• 1-2: Just starting out? Go beginner!
• 3: Most people start here (balanced)
• 4-5: Ready for advanced concepts? Crank it up!

Step 3: Choose Your Tutor's Vibe

Pick a persona:

• 😊 Friendly - Warm and supportive (recommended for beginners)
• 📚 Strict - Academic and direct
• 🎉 Enthusiastic - High-energy and motivating
• 🎓 Professional - Formal and structured

Step 4: Ask Your Question!

Type anything:

• "Explain black holes"
• "How does the internet work?"
• "What is machine learning?"
• "Teach me about recursion"

Or click an example card to try instantly!

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🎯 Pro Tips

Get Better Answers

• Be specific: "Explain HTTP caching" beats "Tell me about HTTP"
• Use the enhance button: ✨ Click to get AI-suggested improvements
• Try multiple modes: Same question, different perspectives!

Build Your Streak

• Come back daily to maintain your 🔥 streak
• Track your progress in the stats bar
• Unlock achievements by exploring features

Experiment!

• Mode + Difficulty combo: Try "Technical Mode + Level 5" for expert content
• Persona switching: See how "Strict" differs from "Playful"
• Copy responses: 📋 Save great explanations for later

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🏆 Achievement Hunting

Unlock these badges:

1. 🌟 Getting Started - Ask your first question (easy!)
2. 🎓 Curious Learner - Ask 10 questions
3. 🔥 Knowledge Seeker - Ask 50 questions (impressive!)
4. 🎨 Mode Master - Try all 6 learning modes

Your progress is saved automatically in your browser!

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🎓 Best Practices by Use Case

For Students

Mode: Socratic or ELI5
Difficulty: 1-3
Persona: Friendly
Why: Builds understanding through questions and simple language

For Developers

Mode: Code or Technical
Difficulty: 3-4
Persona: Professional
Why: Practical examples with technical depth

For Quick Learning

Mode: Analogy or ELI5
Difficulty: 2
Persona: Enthusiastic
Why: Fast comprehension through relatable comparisons

For Exam Prep

Mode: Technical or Standard
Difficulty: 4-5
Persona: Strict
Why: Rigorous, comprehensive explanations

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🆘 Common Questions

Q: What's the difference between modes? A: Each mode teaches differently:

• Socratic asks you questions
• ELI5 uses simple words
• Technical goes deep
• Analogy compares to familiar things
• Code shows examples

Q: How do I track my progress? A: Check the stats bar at the top! It shows:

• Total questions asked
• Current learning streak
• Achievements earned

Q: Can I go back to previous answers? A: Yes! Scroll down to see your conversation history (if enabled).

Q: What happens if I leave and come back? A: Your stats, achievements, and streak are saved in your browser!

Q: Is this real AI or a demo? A: It can be both! Set DEMO_MODE=1 for instant demo responses, or configure an inference API for real AI.

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🎨 UI Walkthrough

Top Bar

• Question Counter: Total questions asked
• Streak: Days of consecutive use 🔥
• Achievements: Badges earned 🏆

Mode Selector

Six colorful buttons - click to switch learning style instantly.

Controls Panel

• Difficulty Slider: Drag left (easier) or right (harder)
• Persona Buttons: Click to change tutor personality

Chat Area

• Text Input: Type your question here
• Action Buttons: Ask, Enhance, Clear, Surprise Me
• Response Area: AI answers appear here with typing animation
• Example Cards: Click for instant question starters

Response Actions

• 📋 Copy: Save to clipboard
• 🔗 Share: Share this Q&A
• 🔄 Regenerate: Get a new answer

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💡 Cool Tricks

The "Compare" Trick

Ask the same question in two modes side-by-side:

1. Ask in ELI5 mode
2. Switch to Technical mode
3. Ask again
4. Compare the depth and style!

The "Difficulty Ladder"

Progressive learning:

1. Start at difficulty 1
2. Ask about a topic
3. Increase to 3, ask follow-up
4. Jump to 5 for advanced details

The "Persona Test"

See personality in action:

1. Ask "Why is math important?"
2. Try with each persona
3. Notice the tone differences!

The "Surprise Challenge"

Click "🎲 Surprise Me" → Get a random interesting question → Try to answer before the tutor!

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🚀 Next Steps

1. Start Simple: Try an example card
2. Experiment: Switch modes mid-conversation
3. Track Progress: Watch your stats grow
4. Earn Badges: Unlock all achievements
5. Share: Tell friends about cool explanations you got!

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Need help? Check out FEATURES.md for detailed documentation!

Found a bug? Open an issue on GitHub!

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Happy Learning! 🎓✨