An explanation of prompt engineering

In this video, TechTarget editor Jen English talks about prompt engineering and its role in training artificial intelligence.

Prompt engineering is an umbrella term for the training processes behind AI language models. In this context, a prompt is an input that goes into a program like Chat-GPT, Bard or Dall-E. Since these programs are relatively new, prompt engineering is an important practice that ensures they will produce an accurate output.

In the business world, prompt engineering is being used to adjust language models to operate in different enterprise situations.

For example, if a business wants to use a chatbot for customer service purposes, a prompt engineer designs and identifies prompts that produce an appropriate and accessible output. In this case, a prompt might be "How can I transfer files between two laptops?" The response should ideally be helpful and straightforward. If, however, the model returns with inaccessible tech gibberish, a prompt engineer would have to make adjustments.

Aside from this, prompt engineering also corrects existing vulnerabilities in these programs, such as prompt hacking. With learning models becoming more widely used, effective prompt engineering is key for enterprise developers looking to ensure these programs are not only reliable, but safe as well.

Tommy Everson is an assistant editor for video content at TechTarget. He assists in content creation for TechTarget's YouTube channel and TikTok page.