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Using Machine

This guide walks you through the practical aspects of using Machine’s interface to accomplish real-world tasks, using web development as an example.

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Interface Overview

Machine’s interface is designed to be intuitive and conversation-driven. You’ll work primarily through a chat interface where you can:

1. Ask questions and give instructions in natural language
2. View Machine’s responses and suggested actions
3. Access workspace files and terminal commands
4. Preview results of your tasks

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Key Components

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Chat Interface

The main conversation area where you interact with Machine. Simply type your requests in natural language, and Machine will respond with text, suggested actions, or results.

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Terminal Access

Machine can execute terminal commands on your behalf. This is particularly useful for:

• Running development servers
• Installing dependencies
• Executing scripts
• Performing system operations

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File Workspace

Access, create, and modify files directly within Machine. The workspace shows:

• File structure
• File content
• File creation and editing options

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Common Workflows

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Web Development Example

Let’s walk through a common web development workflow using Machine:

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1. Setting Up a Project

Start by describing what you want to build:

You: "I need to create a real estate agency homepage with sections for about, contact information, and listings."

Machine will help you set up the project structure and create initial files:

Machine: "I'll help you create a real estate homepage. Let's start by setting up the basic project structure with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files."

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2. Running a Development Server

Machine can start a local development server for you:

You: "Can you start a local server so I can preview the site?"

Machine will execute the appropriate command:

Machine: "Starting a Python HTTP server on port 8000. You can view your site at http://localhost:8000"

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3. Making Content Updates

You can ask Machine to make specific updates to your files:

You: "Let me update the hero section text to reflect the new agency name."

Machine will help you edit the specific file and section:

Machine: "I'll help you update the hero section. Which agency name would you like to use?"

After providing the information, Machine will make the changes and show you what was updated:

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4. Real-time Previews

As you make changes, you can preview your website in real-time:

You: "Show me a preview of the website"

Machine will provide a way to view the current state of your project:

Machine: "Here's the current preview of your website. You can view it in your browser."

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Task-Based Examples

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Managing To-Do Items

Machine can help you manage task lists and mark items as complete:

You: "Let me update the todo list to mark the final task as complete."

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Sharing Conversations

You can easily share your conversations with others:

1. Click the three dots menu in the conversation header
2. Select "Share Conversation" from the dropdown menu
3. Choose your sharing method (link, email, or copy)

This allows you to share solutions, workflows, or interesting interactions with colleagues or friends without giving them access to your account.

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Updating Contact Information

Update specific sections of your website or documents:

You: "Let me update the contact email to reflect the new agency name."

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Modifying Footer and Copyright Text

Make consistent branding changes across your project:

You: "Update the footer text to reflect the new agency name."
You: "Update the copyright text to reflect the new agency name."

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Working with Files

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Viewing Workspace Files

Machine gives you access to your project files:

You: "Show me the workspace files"

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Editing Specific Files

You can ask to edit specific files by name:

You: "Edit the index.html file to update the navigation links"

Machine will open the file and help you make precise changes.

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Best Practices

For the best experience when using Machine:

1. Be specific with your requests - Clearly describe what you want to accomplish
2. Provide context - Let Machine know the purpose behind your changes
3. Review suggestions - Always review Machine’s proposed changes before confirming
4. Use iterative refinement - Start with basic functionality and refine incrementally
5. Ask for explanations - If you’re unsure about a suggestion, ask Machine to explain

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Keyboard Shortcuts

Machine supports several keyboard shortcuts to enhance your productivity: