Jan Peter Alexander

There is nothing certain than the uncertainty itself. Capture, learn and mitigate. Welcome!

2 minute read

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/Cons  
Option B: [path] → Pros/Cons  
Option C: [path] → Pros/Cons  
Pick 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)

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