Prompt Engineering For Large Language Models
Prompt Engineering For Large Language Models
One-shot prompting builds upon zero-shot by including a single example within the prompt before presenting the
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new task . This single demonstration helps to clarify the expected format, tone, or style of the desired output,
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often leading to improved model performance . Consider the sentiment classification task again: "Classify the
sentiment of the following text as positive, negative, or neutral. Text: The product is terrible. Sentiment: Negative.
Text: I think the vacation was okay. Sentiment:" Here, the model is shown one example of a text and its sentiment
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before being asked to classify a new text . This technique can be particularly useful for tasks that require more
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specific guidance or when zero-shot prompting yields ambiguous results .
Few-shot prompting involves providing the LLM with multiple examples (typically two to ten) within the prompt to
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illustrate the task . These examples allow the model to recognize patterns and generalize them to new, similar
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tasks, often resulting in higher accuracy and consistency, especially for more complex tasks . For example, in a
few-shot prompt for sentiment classification, several examples of text with their corresponding sentiments
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(positive or negative) might be provided before the new text requiring classification . This method, known as
in-context learning, enables the AI to learn directly from the examples embedded in the prompt, rather than solely
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relying on its pre-trained knowledge . Few-shot prompting is beneficial for tasks with varied inputs, those
requiring precise formatting, or those demanding a higher degree of accuracy, such as generating structured
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outputs or handling nuanced classifications .
Technique Definition Number of Typical Use Advantages Limitations
Examples Cases
Zero-Shot Prompting without 0 Simple tasks, Simplicity, ease of May not work well
providing any general queries, use, no additional for complex or
examples. common data required nuanced tasks,
classifications results can be
unpredictable
Incorporating examples, as discussed in the context of one-shot and few-shot prompting, is another powerful
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technique . Examples demonstrate the expected output format and content, setting a clear precedent for the
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model to follow . Furthermore, providing the model with relevant data within the prompt can significantly improve
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the accuracy and insightfulness of the response . When supplying data, it is beneficial to provide context and,
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where possible, cite the source to enhance credibility .
Instead of instructing the model on what not to do, it is generally more effective to provide positive instructions on
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what to do instead . This approach reduces ambiguity and guides the model towards the desired behavior more
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directly . For complex tasks, breaking them down into simpler, more manageable subtasks can improve the clarity
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of the prompt and the quality of the resulting output . Experimentation and iterative refinement are also key
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aspects of successful prompt engineering . Users should try different variations of prompts, analyze the model's
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responses, and adjust their instructions accordingly to achieve the desired results .
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A practical workflow often involves starting with zero-shot prompting to assess the model's inherent capabilities .
If the results are not satisfactory, one can then progress to one-shot or few-shot prompting by adding relevant
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examples . Understanding the specific model's strengths and limitations is also crucial for crafting effective
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prompts . Some advanced techniques, such as using "perspective prompts" to explore different viewpoints or
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"leading words" for code generation, can further enhance the interaction with LLMs . The emphasis on clarity
and specificity across various sources highlights a fundamental principle: well-defined prompts minimize the
model's need to interpret intent, leading to more predictable and relevant outputs. The recommendation to begin
with zero-shot prompting and incrementally add examples offers an efficient strategy, allowing users to leverage
the simplest approach first before increasing the complexity of the prompt.
Medium-length prompts often strike a better balance, providing sufficient context for the model to understand the
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task and generate more detailed and relevant information without overwhelming its processing capabilities . The
optimal prompt length is not a one-size-fits-all answer and depends on the complexity of the task, the specific
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model being used, and the desired level of detail in the output . As a general guideline, aiming for concise yet
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informative prompts, typically ranging from 50 to 200 words, can be effective .
Context length, also referred to as the context window, defines the maximum number of tokens an LLM can
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process in a single input . A longer context length generally allows the model to produce higher quality outputs
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by enabling it to consider more information, but it might also impact the speed of processing . Insufficient
context can lead to misinterpretations and inaccurate responses, as the model may not have enough information to
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understand the nuances of the request . Conversely, excessive context can cause the model to lose focus on
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critical information, particularly if that information is located in the middle of the input . The "lost in the middle"
effect suggests that the placement of key instructions and information within the prompt is important to ensure
they are not overlooked.
Strategies for effectively managing context length include focusing on the most relevant information, breaking
down complex tasks into smaller steps, and structuring prompts in a way that encodes essential details for
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consistency . Techniques like Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) can also be employed to incorporate
external knowledge into the prompt within the context window, enhancing the model's understanding and the
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relevance of its responses . The interplay between prompt length and context length underscores the need to
find a balance between providing adequate information and avoiding information overload to optimize LLM
performance and output quality.
For straightforward tasks, such as basic sentiment analysis, a single prompt, potentially even a zero-shot or
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one-shot prompt, might be sufficient . However, for more intricate or nuanced tasks, few-shot prompting, with its
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provision of multiple examples, often proves beneficial . It is crucial to ensure that the examples provided are
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directly relevant to the task and cover a diverse range of potential inputs and desired outputs . Maintaining a
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consistent format across all examples helps the model recognize the underlying patterns . Furthermore,
incorporating both positive and negative examples can provide the model with a more comprehensive
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understanding of the task by illustrating what constitutes both desired and undesired outputs . The order in
which examples are presented might also influence the model's output, with some strategies suggesting placing
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the most representative or best example last .
Interestingly, with the advent of LLMs boasting larger context windows, the concept of "many-shot" learning has
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emerged, involving the inclusion of hundreds or even thousands of examples within the prompt . This approach
has shown potential for significant performance gains, particularly on complex reasoning tasks, and might even
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rival traditional fine-tuning in certain scenarios . Ultimately, determining the optimal number of shots often
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requires experimentation . The principle of diminishing returns in few-shot prompting suggests that focusing on
the quality and diversity of examples is more effective than simply increasing their quantity. The emergence of
many-shot learning, however, indicates a potential shift in strategies as context windows expand, allowing for more
extensive in-context guidance.
Other advanced techniques include Tree-of-Thought prompting, which encourages the model to explore
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multiple reasoning paths ; Role Prompting, where the model is instructed to adopt a specific role or persona ;
and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), which augments the LLM's knowledge by retrieving relevant
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information from an external knowledge source and incorporating it into the prompt . Techniques like Instruction
Tuning and Reinforcement Learning with Human Feedback (RLHF) are used to further refine model
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performance and align it with human preferences .
Beyond these, a range of more specialized techniques can be employed, such as using a pseudocode-like syntax
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for clearer instructions ; recursive prompts that feed the output of one prompt back as input to the next ;
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multi-entrant prompts designed to handle various input types ; prompts that split outputs to elicit
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multifaceted responses ; counterfactual prompting to explore hypothetical scenarios ; and prompt chaining
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to create a sequence of related prompts . Techniques like Self-Consistency Prompting, Reflection Prompting,
Progressive Prompting, Clarification Prompting, Error-guided Prompting, Hypothetical Prompting, and
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Meta-prompting offer further control over the model's reasoning and output generation . Finally, Prompt
Compression aims to shorten prompts without losing crucial information, while General Knowledge Prompting
and ReAct Prompting enhance the model's understanding of the world and its ability to interact with external
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tools . The sheer breadth of these advanced prompting techniques underscores the ongoing innovation in this
field, moving beyond basic instructions to strategically guide the model's internal processes for complex tasks.
Techniques like Chain-of-Thought and Retrieval-Augmented Generation are particularly noteworthy for their
effectiveness in enhancing reasoning and leveraging external knowledge, respectively.
In the realm of coding, Claude 3.7 boasts more powerful abilities through "Claude Code," a feature that enables
developers to perform tasks such as editing files, running tests, debugging code, and pushing changes to GitHub
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directly within the model's environment . This enhanced capability allows Claude 3.7 to handle full-stack
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development with a reduced number of errors . Benchmark data from SWE-bench Verified, which evaluates AI
models on software engineering tasks, demonstrates a clear advantage for Claude 3.7, showing a substantial
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increase in accuracy compared to Claude 3.5 . Furthermore, Claude 3.7 exhibits improved performance in agentic
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tool use, indicating its enhanced ability to interact with external tools and systems .
Despite these advancements, some early developer feedback suggests that Claude 3.7 might exhibit a tendency to
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"overengineer" solutions, sometimes adding unnecessary complexity to the generated code . To mitigate this,
users have found that including explicit instructions such as "Use as few lines of code as possible" in the prompt
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can yield better, more concise results . For certain everyday coding tasks, some developers still prefer Claude 3.5
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for its more consistent output and potentially less demanding prompt engineering requirements .
Recommendations for using Claude 3.7 often involve starting with clear and concise instructions and iteratively
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refining the prompts based on the model's output .
Anthropic, the developer of Claude, highlights Claude 3.7's superior instruction following, tool selection, error
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correction, and advanced reasoning capabilities . Early testing on platforms like GitHub Spark has shown Claude
3.7 to be more successful in generating higher quality applications from natural language descriptions and
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producing passing code, especially when its extended thinking mode is enabled . Overall, Claude 3.7 Sonnet
appears to be a significant step forward in reasoning and coding capabilities compared to 3.5, with the hybrid
reasoning feature offering greater control. However, users might need to adapt their prompting strategies to
manage the newer model's potential for complexity in code generation.
Feature Claude 3.5 Claude 3.7 Key Improvement in 3.7
Reasoning One-speed reasoning Hybrid reasoning (quick and Ability to switch between
deep thinking modes) reasoning speeds for better
accuracy
Coding Capabilities Good at coding Claude Code for editing, Integrated coding tools and
debugging, testing, and enhanced functionality
GitHub integration
Agentic Tool Use Good Improved performance in retail Enhanced ability to interact
and airline-related tasks with external tools
Instruction Following Could struggle with complex Understands and follows Superior ability to adhere to
prompts instructions better, making complex instructions
fewer mistakes
Extended Thinking Mode Not available Users can control thinking time Allows for optimization of
for better accuracy speed and accuracy
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A critical aspect of prompt engineering is understanding and acknowledging the inherent limitations of LLMs .
These limitations include the tendency to "hallucinate" or make up information, limited reasoning skills (particularly
in areas like mathematics), limited long-term memory across interactions, and knowledge cut-offs based on their
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training data . Expecting the model to possess expertise beyond its training data or failing to verify the
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information it provides are common mistakes . The phenomenon of hallucinations underscores the importance of
fact-checking any critical information generated by an LLM.
Over-reliance on default outputs without customizing prompts to specific needs and ignoring the context in which
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the prompt is being used can also lead to less effective results . Furthermore, LLMs are susceptible to "prompt
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hacking," where malicious users can manipulate prompts to generate inappropriate or harmful content . Practical
considerations such as token limits, which can make managing context challenging, and the potential for
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inconsistent outputs further complicate prompt engineering . Overly lengthy prompts can sometimes hinder
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accuracy, while failing to provide sufficient context can lead to vague or unhelpful responses . Avoiding leading
questions that imply a desired answer is also important for eliciting neutral and objective responses. The recurring
issue of hallucinations highlights a fundamental limitation of LLMs, emphasizing the need for users to critically
evaluate and verify the generated information. The challenges related to prompt length and context underscore
the delicate balance required in providing enough information for the model to understand the task without
overwhelming its processing capabilities.