Defense mode

Defense mode is Contral's approach to proving you understand code instead of just accepting it. Rather than letting AI-written code pass by unread, Contral asks you to explain it, quizzes you on it and checks your answers.

What Defense mode is for#

AI agents can write code faster than you can read it. Defense mode exists so that "it works" isn't the end of the story. You should be able to say what the code does, why it's written that way, and what would break if it changed. Contral builds this habit through explain-it-back steps, questions and graded challenges.

Where Defense mode shows up in Contral today#

Defense-style checks appear in several places in the extension and desktop IDE:

• Explain steps in Learn mode. Every Learn mode topic includes an Explain step where you describe the code in your own words, and a Boss challenge at the end. Contral evaluates your answer and gives feedback. See Learn mode & curriculum.
• Checkpoints. Type /checkpoint at the end of a lesson project to get AI feedback on your work.
• Mega Exams. Each category of the Java curriculum ends in an exam that covers all of its topics.
• Quick quizzes and questions on teaching cards. Teaching cards for AI edits can include a quick quiz, Socratic questions and a small task, so you check your understanding of a change before moving on. See Teaching on AI edits from other agents.
• Ask Tutor follow-ups. Ask a follow-up question on any teaching card to dig into the part you don't understand.

How to practise Defense mode on your own code#

1. After the Build agent or another AI agent changes a file, read the teaching card before you move on.
2. Answer the card's quick quiz or questions, if it has them.
3. Select a part you're unsure about, right-click and choose Contral: Explain selection, then ask a follow-up.
4. Try explaining the change in one sentence. If you can't, open a Deep dive on the card (Pro and above, all AppSumo tiers).

What Defense mode costs against your plan#

Explanations and follow-up questions count as code explanations (5 per day on the Free plan, unlimited on paid plans and all AppSumo tiers). Deep dives count against your deep dive limit. See Usage limits & quotas explained.