Prompt Engineering Best Practices
The art and science of structuring text to guide Generative AI toward precise, predictable, and safe outputs.
The Goal: From Guessing to Design
Transform prompting from a guessing game into a testable, tunable, and trusted process for accurate and actionable results.
I. Fundamental Clarity & Specificity
Be Clear & Direct
Use action verbs (e.g., "write," "list," "summarize"). Avoid vague phrases like "make it better."
Simple Language
Avoid slang, complex idioms, or undefined, fuzzy terms. Consistency is key for the model.
Define Constraints
State limitations like word count, tone, or specific formatting (e.g., "JSON only").
Assign a Persona
Guide tone and expertise. "You are an expert financial analyst. Analyze..."
Context Engineering & Resources
Prompt Engineering is the tactical component of Context Engineering, which manages the entire ecosystem surrounding the prompt.