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!

---

## 🎯 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

---

## 🏆 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!

---

## 🎓 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
```

---

## 🆘 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.

---

## 🎨 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

---

## 💡 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!

---

## 🚀 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](./FEATURES.md) for detailed documentation!

**Found a bug?** Open an issue on [GitHub](https://github.com/Zwin-ux/Eidolon-Cognitive-Tutor/issues)!

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**Happy Learning! 🎓✨**