What is Prompt Engineering?
Prompt engineering is the art and science of crafting inputs that help AI models produce the best possible outputs. Think of it as learning to communicate effectively with AI.
The Fundamentals
1. Be Specific
Vague prompts lead to vague answers. Instead of asking "Write about dogs," try "Write a 200-word informative paragraph about the history of golden retrievers as family pets."
2. Provide Context
Give the AI relevant background information. The more context you provide, the more tailored the response.
3. Use Examples
Show the AI what you want by providing examples of good outputs. This technique, called "few-shot prompting," dramatically improves results.
Advanced Techniques
Chain of Thought
Ask the model to "think step by step" for complex reasoning tasks. This often leads to more accurate conclusions.
Role Playing
Assign the AI a specific role: "You are an experienced Python developer reviewing code for security vulnerabilities."
Iterative Refinement
Don't expect perfection on the first try. Refine your prompts based on the outputs you receive.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to improve at prompt engineering is to experiment. Try different approaches and observe what works best for your needs.