P
AI CONCEPTS
Prompt Engineering
Also known as: Prompt Design, Prompt Crafting
Definition
Prompt engineering is the practice of designing inputs that elicit better outputs from LLMs. Good prompting involves specifying role, context, task, constraints, and output format to guide the model toward desired results.
Simple Explanation
You wouldn't ask a chef 'make something' — you'd specify 'I have chicken, garlic, and rice. Make a weeknight dinner that takes 30 minutes.' Prompt engineering applies the same specificity to AI.
Real-World Use Case
A marketing team uses prompt patterns: 'Act as a SaaS copywriter. Write three headlines for [product] selling to [audience]. Each under 15 words. Include benefit-focused language.'
Examples
Role promptingFew-shot examplesChain-of-thoughtStructured outputSelf-critique
Related Terms
Learn More
- OpenAI Prompt Engineering Guide
- Anthropic Prompt Engineering