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Chain-of-Thought Examples
Good CoT Prompt: "A train travels 120 miles in 2 hours, then 180 miles in 3 hours. What is its average speed for the entire journey? Think through this step by step, showing your calculations."
Why it works: Complex calculation benefits from showing intermediate steps.
Bad CoT Prompt: "What is 5 + 3? Think step by step."
Why it's bad: Trivial calculation doesn't benefit from step-by-step reasoning.
Few-Shot Examples
Good Few-Shot Prompt:
Convert user stories into test descriptions:
Example 1:
User Story: As a user, I want to reset my password so I can regain access
Test: User can request password reset and receive email with reset link
Example 2:
User Story: As an admin, I want to deactivate accounts so I can manage access
Test: Admin can deactivate user account and user loses access
Now convert:
User Story: As a user, I want to filter search results by date
Why it works: Format transformation isn't obvious, examples show the pattern.
Bad Few-Shot Prompt:
Write Python functions.
Example: def add(a, b): return a + b
Now write a multiply function.
Why it's bad: Writing basic functions is standard knowledge, examples add no value.
XML Context Separation Examples
Good XML Usage:
<codebase_context>
Rails app using RSpec for testing, FactoryBot for test data, Pundit for authorization
</codebase_context>
<work_items>
1. Add admin role
2. Restrict user deletion to admins
3. Add admin dashboard
</work_items>
<instructions>
For each work item, follow TDD: write failing test, implement feature, verify tests pass
</instructions>
Why it works: Three distinct information types clearly separated.
Bad XML Usage:
<instructions>
Write code that works and follows our standards.
</instructions>
Why it's bad: Single vague piece of information doesn't need XML.