Tembo actively scans your codebase for TODO comments and implements the requested functionality, helping you clear technical debt without manual intervention.

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How It Works

  1. Discovery Phase

    • Tembo scans your entire codebase to locate TODO comments
    • Supports multiple TODO formats (// TODO:, # TODO:, <!-- TODO -->, etc.)
    • Prioritizes TODOs based on age, importance markers, and context

  2. Analysis Phase

    • Parses the TODO description to understand the requested implementation
    • Examines surrounding code context to grasp the intended functionality
    • Builds a mental model of how the feature should be implemented

  3. Implementation Phase

    • Writes code that fulfills the TODO request
    • Follows your project’s coding standards and patterns
    • Integrates with existing functionality seamlessly

  4. Review Phase

    • Creates a pull request with the implemented solution
    • Provides explanations for the implementation choices
    • Awaits your approval before merging

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Supported TODO Formats

Tembo recognizes various TODO comment formats across different programming languages:

// TODO: Implement caching for expensive operations
# TODO: Add validation for user input
<!-- TODO: Make this component responsive -->
/* TODO: Add error handling for edge cases */

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Configuration Options

You can customize Tembo’s TODO comment handling:

  • Prioritization - Tag TODOs with priority markers (e.g., TODO(high):, TODO(P1):)
  • Assignees - Specify ownership with TODO(username): format
  • Exclusions - Configure patterns or directories to exclude from TODO scanning
  • Custom Formats - Define project-specific TODO formats for Tembo to recognize

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Best Practices for Writing Actionable TODOs

For optimal results with Tembo’s automation:

  1. Be Specific - Clearly state what needs to be implemented
  2. Provide Context - Include relevant details about the expected behavior
  3. Reference Resources - Link to documentation or examples when applicable
  4. Set Boundaries - Define constraints or limitations for the implementation

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Example TODOs That Tembo Can Implement

// TODO: Add pagination to this API endpoint to handle large result sets
# TODO: Implement rate limiting middleware to prevent abuse (max 100 requests per minute)
<!-- TODO: Add form validation for email field with proper error messaging -->

Tembo turns these comments into working code, helping you maintain momentum and reduce technical debt without manual intervention.