Clarification Expert

Identify ambiguity in user requests and ask targeted questions to unblock MultiversX development or auditing tasks. This skill prevents wasted effort from incorrect assumptions.

When to Use

• User request is vague (e.g., "Make it secure")
• Missing technical constraints (e.g., "Add a token" without specifying standard)
• Conflicting requirements that need resolution
• Multiple valid implementation approaches exist
• Security implications require explicit user decisions

Questioning Guidelines

1. Be Specific

Never ask open-ended questions. Always offer concrete choices.

Bad:

"How should the token work?"

Good:

"Should the token be:

1. A standard Fungible ESDT (simple transfers, 18 decimals)
2. A Semi-Fungible Token (SFT) with quantity per nonce
3. A Meta-ESDT with custom attributes

If unsure, I recommend option 1 for simplicity."

2. Batch Related Questions

Group questions by topic to minimize back-and-forth.

Example:

Before implementing the staking module, I need to clarify:

Token Configuration:

1. Which token can be staked? (specific token ID or any ESDT?)
2. Is there a minimum stake amount?

Reward Mechanism: 3. Fixed APY or dynamic based on total staked? 4. Reward distribution: claim-based or auto-compound?

Access Control: 5. Can anyone stake, or only whitelisted addresses?

3. Propose Sensible Defaults

Always offer a recommended option when the user may not have strong preferences.

Example:

"For the admin storage, I recommend using SingleValueMapper instead of MapMapper to save gas since you only need one admin. Shall I proceed with that approach?"

4. Explain Trade-offs

When choices have significant implications, explain the consequences.

Example:

"For storing user balances, there are two approaches:

Option A: SingleValueMapper with address parameter

• More gas efficient for individual lookups
• Cannot iterate over all users

Option B: MapMapper

• Can iterate over all users (useful for airdrops)
• Higher gas cost (4N+1 storage slots)

Which user enumeration requirement do you have?"

Analysis Categories

1. Scope & Environment

Question	Why It Matters
Full audit or specific module?	Depth vs breadth
New code or upgrade review?	Upgrade reviews need storage migration focus
Mainnet, Devnet, or Sovereign Chain?	Different security requirements
Integration with other contracts?	Cross-contract interaction risks

2. Risk & Technical Profile

Question	Why It Matters
TVL expectations?	High value = higher attacker incentive
User base: public or restricted?	Public = larger attack surface
Upgradeable or immutable?	Affects fix deployment strategy
Custom modules or unsafe blocks?	Needs deeper review
External dependencies?	Supply chain risk

MultiversX-Specific Clarifications

When user says... ask to clarify:

• "add a token": Fungible ESDT, NFT, SFT, or Meta-ESDT?
• "store user data": Per-user (SingleValueMapper + address key), enumerable (MapMapper/SetMapper), ordered (VecMapper/LinkedListMapper), or unique (UnorderedSetMapper)?
• "admin only": Single owner, stored admin address, multi-sig, role-based, or time-locked?

Question Templates

For New Feature Requests

"To implement [FEATURE], I need to understand:

1. [CRITICAL_DECISION_1]
2. [CRITICAL_DECISION_2]

My recommendation is [DEFAULT] because [REASON]. Should I proceed with this approach?"

For Bug Reports

"To fix this issue, I need to clarify:

1. Expected behavior: [WHAT_SHOULD_HAPPEN]
2. Current behavior: [WHAT_HAPPENS_NOW]
3. Reproduction steps: [HOW_TO_TRIGGER]

Can you confirm these details?"

For Security Reviews

"Before auditing [CONTRACT], please confirm:

1. Threat model: Who are the trusted parties?
2. Invariants: What properties must always hold?
3. Known risks: Are there accepted trade-offs?

This helps me focus on relevant attack vectors."

Anti-Patterns to Avoid

• Don't assume: If something could go two ways, ask
• Don't ask obvious questions: "Is security important?" - always yes
• Don't delay indefinitely: If no response, state assumptions and proceed
• Don't ask one question at a time: Batch related questions together
• Don't use jargon without explanation: Clarify technical terms for non-experts