Prompt Engineering

Plain English

Writing better instructions for AI.

Definition

Promptglossary×PromptA prompt is the input or instruction given to an AI system to guide its output or response.Open glossary term→ engineering is the practice of designing and refining prompts to produce better, more reliable outputs from AI systemsglossary×SystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term→.

In practice

Used to structure inputs with contextglossary×ContextThe surrounding conditions that shape behaviour and decisions.Open glossary term→, rules, examples, and constraintsglossary×ConstraintsConstraints are limitations or restrictions that impact how a product or solution can be designed or built.Open glossary term→ to improve consistencyglossary×ConsistencyConsistency is the use of uniform patterns, behaviours, and visual elements across a product to create familiarity and predictability. It helps users learn once and apply that knowledge throughout the experience.Open glossary term→ and performance.

The reality

It often involves trial and error, and results can vary depending on the modelglossary×ModelA model is a system or representation used to process data and generate outputs, often trained to perform specific tasks.Open glossary term→ and contextglossary×ContextThe surrounding conditions that shape behaviour and decisions.Open glossary term→.