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Artificial Intelligence

This guide offers an introduction to generative AI, guidance on using AI tools, and additional resources for learning more and getting help

What is Prompt Engineering?

Prompt engineering is the art of crafting instructions for artificial intelligence models, specifically generative AI models. Imagine it as giving a detailed recipe to a cook instead of just throwing a bunch of ingredients at them. By carefully wording prompts and choosing the right format, you can guide the AI to create exactly what you want, like a specific kind of text, computer code, or even creative writing. This is crucial because while generative AI is powerful, it still needs clear instructions to produce the best results.on what aspects it does well and what aspects it’s missing to create your desired result. 

Prompt Engineering as a Conversation

In a conversation with AI, prompt engineering becomes the art of guiding the discussion. Imagine you're chatting with a super knowledgeable but slightly scattered friend. Prompt engineering helps you steer the conversation in a productive way. Here's how:

  • Setting the Topic: Your initial prompt acts like the opening line of a conversation. It sparks the discussion and lets the AI know what you want to talk about.
  • Building on Ideas: As the conversation flows, your follow-up prompts are like nudges or questions. They help the AI understand your perspective and refine its responses based on what you've shared.
  • Maintaining Focus: If the AI goes off on a tangent, well-crafted prompts can gently bring it back on topic. You can rephrase your questions or provide additional context to keep the conversation productive.
  • Encouraging Specificity: Think of your prompts as invitations to elaborate. By asking specific questions or providing examples, you encourage the AI to share more detailed and relevant information.

Overall, prompt engineering in conversation with AI is about co-creating a meaningful exchange. You provide the direction, and the AI leverages its knowledge to have a focused and interesting dialogue

Tips for good prompts

Although prompt Engineering may seem like an art. Getting a desired output from an AI Tool is more like getting information from someone in a conversation. Imagine being a reporter who is interviewing someone. There might not be a set of rules but general tips can guide you to make an effective prompt to get the information you are looking for from AI. Here are some general tips:

  • Be Specific: The more details you provide, the better the AI can understand your request.
  • Provide Context: Give the AI enough background information to understand the situation.
  • Set the Tone: Indicate the desired style (formal, informal, humorous) for the output.
  • Show Examples: Include examples to illustrate the format or content you're looking for.
  • Focus on "Do" not "Don't": Instead of saying "avoid clichés," show examples of fresh language.
  • Desired Output: Specify the format (poem, code, script) of the AI's response.
  • Break it Down: Complex tasks are easier for AI to understand if divided into smaller steps.