What is AI Prompting?
A prompt is simply the text you type to communicate with an AI. It's like having a conversation, but with a very capable assistant who needs clear instructions to help you effectively.
Think of it like giving directions. You could say "go somewhere nice" (vague) or "take me to the Italian restaurant on Main Street" (specific). The more specific your instructions, the better the result.
Key Insight: AI doesn't read minds. It can only work with what you give it. Better prompts = better results.
How AI "Thinks"
Understanding how AI processes your prompts helps you write better ones. Here are the key things to know:
AI Predicts Text
AI generates responses by predicting what text should come next, based on patterns learned from millions of examples.
Context Matters
The AI considers your entire prompt when generating a response. More context = more relevant answers.
No Memory Between Chats
Each new conversation starts fresh. The AI doesn't remember previous sessions unless you're in the same chat thread.
Knowledge Has Limits
AI has a "knowledge cutoff" date and can't access the internet (unless specifically connected).
Writing Your First Prompt
Let's start simple. Here's a basic formula for your first prompts:
[Action] + [Topic] + [Details]
Example: Getting Information
Tell me about dogs
Explain the top 5 things a first-time dog owner should know, in simple bullet points
Example: Writing Help
Write an email
Write a professional email to my boss requesting 3 days off next week for a family event. Keep it brief and polite.
Example: Problem Solving
Help with my code
I have a Python function that should add two numbers but returns None. Here's my code: [paste code]. What's wrong?
Anatomy of a Good Prompt
Good prompts typically include some or all of these elements:
Task or Action
What do you want the AI to do? (Write, explain, analyze, summarize, etc.)
Context or Background
What does the AI need to know? (Your situation, audience, purpose)
Format or Structure
How should the answer look? (Bullet points, paragraph, table, code)
Constraints or Requirements
Any limits? (Word count, tone, things to avoid, specific requirements)
Complete Example:
"Write a product description for a wireless Bluetooth speaker. The audience is tech-savvy millennials who value portability. Format: 3 short paragraphs. Keep it under 150 words and highlight battery life and sound quality."
Common Prompt Patterns
Here are patterns you can use right away:
The Role Pattern
Ask the AI to take on a specific role or persona.
"Act as a nutritionist and suggest a healthy breakfast for someone trying to lose weight."The Step-by-Step Pattern
Ask for instructions broken down into steps.
"Explain how to change a car tire, step by step, for someone who has never done it."The Example Pattern
Show the AI what you want by giving an example.
"Rewrite this sentence to be more formal. Example: 'Hey, wanna grab lunch?' becomes 'Would you be available to join me for lunch?' Now rewrite: 'Can you help me out?'"The Comparison Pattern
Ask for comparisons to understand differences.
"Compare Python and JavaScript for a beginner learning to code. Create a simple pros/cons table."Beginner-Friendly Frameworks
Frameworks give you a repeatable structure. Here are the easiest ones to start with:
A.P.E Framework
Action, Purpose, Expectation
The simplest framework. Tell the AI what to do, why, and what result you expect.
Learn APET.A.G Framework
Task, Action, Goal
Another simple three-part structure perfect for clear, focused prompts.
Learn TAGC.A.R.E Framework
Context, Action, Result, Example
Adds examples to help the AI understand exactly what you want.
Learn CAREE.R.A Framework
Expectation, Role, Action
Start with what you want, assign a role, then specify the action.
Learn ERAPractice Exercises
Try these exercises to practice what you've learned:
Exercise 1: Improve a Vague Prompt
Take this vague prompt and make it specific:
"Write something about cooking"
Hint: Add who it's for, what type of cooking, and what format you want.
Exercise 2: Use the Role Pattern
Write a prompt asking the AI to be a travel guide recommending activities in your favorite city.
Exercise 3: Apply the APE Framework
Create a prompt using Action, Purpose, and Expectation to get help with a work email.
Next Steps
Congratulations! You now understand the basics of AI prompting. Here's where to go next:
Complete Prompt Engineering Guide
Ready for more? Dive into our comprehensive guide covering all skill levels.
Continue LearningExplore All Frameworks
Discover 20+ frameworks to structure your prompts for any situation.
View FrameworksBrowse Ready-to-Use Prompts
Get inspired with our library of expert-crafted prompts you can use today.
Browse PromptsAdvanced Strategies
Once you're comfortable, level up with advanced techniques.
Go Advanced