Basic Prompting Techniques: A Practical Guide¶

Introduction¶

Prompt engineering is the art of crafting effective instructions for AI models. This guide covers fundamental techniques that will help you get better results from AI interactions.

Core Techniques¶

1. Zero-Shot Prompting¶

The simplest form of prompting - just ask directly without examples.

What it is:

• Direct questions or instructions
• No additional context needed
• Quick and straightforward

Example:

❌ Complex: Please tell me, if you would be so kind, what the capital of France might be?
✅ Simple: What is the capital of France?

2. One-Shot Prompting¶

Providing one example to guide the AI's response.

What it is:

• Single example + new request
• Helps establish format/style
• More precise than zero-shot

Example:

Product Description Example:
"The Classic White Mug - A timeless 12oz ceramic mug perfect for your morning coffee. Microwave-safe and dishwasher-friendly."

Please write a similar description for: Gaming Mechanical Keyboard

3. Few-Shot Prompting¶

Multiple examples for more complex tasks.

What it is:

• Several examples before the request
• Creates clear patterns
• Best for consistent outputs

Example:

Convert these sentences to past tense:
Input: "I eat an apple"
Output: "I ate an apple"

Input: "She runs fast"
Output: "She ran fast"

Now convert: "They sing well"

4. Role-Based Prompting¶

Assigning specific roles to guide responses.

What it is:

• Defines AI's perspective
• Shapes tone and expertise level
• Creates focused responses

Example:

Act as a cybersecurity expert and explain how password hashing works to a beginner.

5. Prompt Reframing¶

Restructuring prompts for different perspectives.

What it is:

• Alternative ways to ask
• Explores different angles
• Improves response quality

Example: Original: "What are solar panels?" Reframed: "How would you explain solar panels to a 10-year-old?"

6. Prompt Combination¶

Merging multiple instructions for comprehensive responses.

What it is:

• Multiple questions in one
• Creates thorough responses
• Addresses complex topics

Example:

Explain what Python is, provide three key benefits of using it, and suggest
two beginner-friendly projects to start with.

Best Practices¶

1. Be Specific

2. Clear instructions get better results

3. Avoid vague or ambiguous language

4. State your expectations clearly

5. Start Simple

6. Begin with zero-shot prompting

7. Add complexity only when needed

8. Iterate based on results

9. Test and Refine

10. Try different approaches
11. Combine techniques when appropriate
12. Learn from successful prompts

Common Pitfalls to Avoid¶

• Overly complex instructions
• Ambiguous or vague requests
• Missing context when needed
• Inconsistent formatting
• Too many requirements at once

Quick Reference Table¶

Remember: The most effective technique depends on your specific needs. Start simple and add complexity only when necessary.