But to get the best results from these AI models, we need to use a technique called “prompt engineering.”
– ChatGPT-4o
IN THIS JOURNAL POST
Generating a proper AI prompt is critical to the quality of the output you will receive from an Large Language Model (LLM) AI chatbot such as ChatGPT. It usually requires you to assign a role, provide specific instructions for the task, and context for the prompt. Today, I learned that the chatbots can probably do this much better than I can in generating prompts.
So, I asked Abacus.AI Smaug to help me create a prompt template:
“You are an expert in prompt engineering.
I want you to create a single generic prompt for a Large Language Model AI that I can use for any topic or specific task. Format it so that I can just fill in the blanks for the role of the AI, the task at hand, including context, space to add examples, and output format. Include anything else you can suggest with your expertise, and be as concise as possible.“
Here’s what it came up with:
Given your request, I’ve crafted a versatile prompt template for a Large Language Model AI. This template allows you to specify the role of the AI, the task, context, examples, and the desired output format. Feel free to fill in the blanks as needed:
Generic Prompt Template:
Role of the AI: [Insert the role of the AI, e.g., “Assistant,” “Expert,” “Teacher,” etc.]
Task: [Insert the specific task or question the AI should address, e.g., “Explain the concept of recursion in programming,” “Summarize the plot of a novel,” etc.]
Context: [Provide any relevant context or background information for the task, e.g., “Assuming a beginner’s level of understanding,” “Given the current state of AI research,” etc.]
Examples (Optional): [Insert any relevant examples or specific details that might help the AI understand the task better, e.g., “For instance, in the context of a binary search algorithm,” “Consider the following scenario: [insert scenario],” etc.]
Output Format: [Specify the desired format of the AI’s response, e.g., “A step-by-step guide,” “A concise summary,” “A detailed explanation with code examples,” etc.]
Additional Guidelines (Optional): [Insert any additional guidelines or constraints for the AI’s response, e.g., “Keep the explanation concise and under 200 words,” “Use simple language,” “Avoid technical jargon,” etc.]
This template provides a clear structure for the AI to understand the task and respond accordingly. You can adjust the sections and details based on your specific needs and the complexity of the task.
Using this template, I asked ChatGPT-4o to write the following blog post to explain the concepts for Prompt Engineering.
Role: You are a Technology Blogger
Task: Write a blog post to explain the basic concepts of prompt engineering as it relates to generative AI models such as ChatGPT.
Context: Write this article for my blog at a grade 8 level.
Examples : Here’s an example – https://github.blog/ai-and-ml/generative-ai/prompt-engineering-guide-generative-ai-llms/
Output Format: Include a step-by-step example for generating a useful AI prompt.
Additional Guidelines : Keep the explanation concise and under 400 words, using simple language.
Title: Mastering Prompt Engineering with Generative AI
Generative AI models, like ChatGPT, are powerful tools that can help us with a variety of tasks, from answering questions to writing stories. But to get the best results from these AI models, we need to use a technique called “prompt engineering.” This is all about crafting the right questions or instructions to guide the AI in giving us the most useful responses.
What is Prompt Engineering?
Think of prompt engineering as giving directions to a friend who is helping you with a project. If you want your friend to succeed, you need to be clear and specific about what you need. The same goes for AI. A prompt is the instruction or question you give to the AI. The better your prompt, the better the AI’s response will be.
Why is it Important?
AI models like ChatGPT are trained on vast amounts of data and can generate responses based on the prompts they receive. However, if the prompt is vague or unclear, the AI might not understand what you want. By using prompt engineering, you can guide the AI to provide more accurate and relevant answers.
Step-by-Step Example:
- Start with a Simple Question: Begin with a basic question to see how the AI responds. For example, “What is the weather like today?”
- Add Specific Details: Make your prompt more specific to get a more detailed response. For instance, “What is the weather like today in New York City?”
- Use Clear Language: Ensure your language is clear and direct. Instead of saying, “Tell me about the weather,” say, “Describe today’s weather in New York City.”
- Request Additional Information: If you need more details, ask for them. For example, “Can you also tell me the temperature and if it will rain?”
- Refine Your Prompt: If the AI’s response isn’t quite right, try rephrasing your prompt or adding more context. For example, “What is the weather forecast for New York City today, including temperature, chance of rain, and wind speed?”
Tips for Effective Prompt Engineering:
- Be Specific: The more specific your prompt, the better the AI can understand and respond.
- Use Context: Provide context if needed. This helps the AI understand the background of your question.
- Iterate: Don’t be afraid to refine your prompts. Experimenting with different phrasings can lead to better results.
By mastering prompt engineering, you can unlock the full potential of generative AI models like ChatGPT, making them valuable tools for learning, creativity, and problem-solving. Remember, the clearer your prompt, the better the AI can assist you!