Module 1: Fundamentals
1.3 Working with Files

1.3 Working with Files

Time: ~25 minutes

What You'll Learn

  • Extract structured information from messy documents
  • Synthesize patterns across multiple files
  • Apply templates to control output format
  • Analyze images
  • Pull in web research

Key Concepts

Single File → Extract

Take one messy document and pull out structured information:

"Read the manager notes and extract all action items"

Folder → Synthesize

Find patterns across many similar files:

"Look at all the customer feedback files and tell me the common themes"

Apply Template

Use an existing document to control format:

"Create a report using the template in templates/leadership-update.md"

Image Analysis

Get insights from visual content:

"Analyze this flyer and tell me what's wrong with it"

Web Research

Pull in external information:

"Search for best practices in [your industry]"

In Your Scenario

This is where you start uncovering what's really going on. You'll:

  • Extract action items from messy notes left by your predecessor
  • Find patterns across months of customer feedback, reviews, or data
  • Discover the recurring theme — the real problem hiding in plain sight
  • Start connecting the dots toward a solution

The "aha moment" is coming. You'll feel like a detective.

How to Start

start lesson 1.3

MIT 2026 © Nextra.