Prompts

Prompts are the structured natural language inputs that program generative AI models (like GPT-4 and Claude) to deliver precise, high-quality, and consistent outputs.

Prompts define the entire interaction: they are the core instruction set for generative AI. Effective prompt engineering involves crafting clear queries, specifying a persona (e.g., 'Act as a senior analyst'), and applying advanced techniques like Chain-of-Thought (CoT) to break down complex tasks. This process directly controls the quality of output, transforming a general query into a specific, actionable command. For instance, a well-engineered prompt can yield a structured JSON object or a 5-point executive summary, ensuring the model's response meets strict functional requirements.

https://platform.openai.com/docs/guides/prompt-engineering