TL;DR:
- Zero-Shot & Few-Shot: Use for simple tasks or to provide the model with examples to mimic.
- Chain of Thought (CoT): Best for complex tasks that require step-by-step reasoning.
- Tree of Thoughts (ToT): Ideal for comparing multiple design choices or paths.
- Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG): Use when accuracy and up-to-date information from external documents are critical.
- Directional Stimulus: Apply when the tone, style, or perspective of the output is important.
- Self-Refinement: Use for iterative tasks where the model should review and improve its own output.
📝 Prompting Techniques Cheat Sheet
1. 🔵 Zero-Shot Prompting
When: Simple tasks, trust model’s training. Pattern:
Do [task] about [topic].Requirements: [list constraints].Example:
Create a landing page in Vite for an Agricultural Government Agency.Use Tailwind utility classes only.2. 🟢 Few-Shot Prompting
When: Want model to mimic examples. Pattern:
Example 1: [input → output]Example 2: [input → output]Now, do the same for [new input].Example:
Example 1: Create a landing page in Vite for a Health Department.Example 2: Create a landing page in Vite for an Education Ministry.Now, create one for an Agricultural Government Agency.3. 🟡 Chain of Thought (CoT)
When: Complex, step-by-step reasoning needed. Pattern:
Step 1: [break down]Step 2: [analyze]Step 3: [generate output].Example:
Step 1: Summarize Unbounce’s landing page principles.Step 2: Outline sections for an Agricultural Agency landing page.Step 3: Generate the Vite + Tailwind code.4. 🟠 Tree of Thoughts (ToT)
When: Multiple design choices, comparisons. Pattern:
Option A: [path] → Pros/ConsOption B: [path] → Pros/ConsOption C: [path] → Pros/ConsPick best option → implement.Example:
Give 3 layout styles for the landing page (formal, citizen-focused, modern storytelling).Compare them, then build the best in Vite + Tailwind.5. 🔴 Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)
When: Accuracy, up-to-date info. Pattern:
Use information from [docs/URL].Do [task] with correctness based on these sources.Example:
Use Tailwind CSS docs and Unbounce principles.Create a Vite landing page styled with Tailwind that follows those guidelines.6. 🟣 Directional Stimulus Prompting
When: Tone/style/audience matters. Pattern:
Do [task] in the style of [tone/perspective].Emphasize [key aspects].Example:
Create a Vite landing page for an Agricultural Government Agency.Tone: authoritative but approachable.Highlight sustainability, food security, and farmer support.7. 🟤 Self-Refinement Prompting
When: Want iteration/improvement. Pattern:
Do [task].Now review: Does it meet [criteria]?If not, improve and refine until it does.Example:
Build a landing page in Vite + Tailwind.Review: Does it have clear CTA, scannable sections, trust signals?If not, refine and fix until ready.⚡ Pro Tip for Coding: Always include:
- 🔧 Setup requirements (
tailwind.config.js, imports) - 🎨 Styling method (utility classes only, no inline)
- 📦 Output format (full project, single file, snippet)
