Effective Prompting Strategies: Quick Reference with Reusable Examples

Act as an expert [LANGUAGE] developer. Write a function named [function_name] that [purpose].

Technical requirements:
- Input: [describe the input parameters and their types]
- Output: [describe the expected return value and its type]
- Edge cases to handle: [list potential problematic inputs]
- Performance considerations: [any efficiency requirements]
- Style guidelines: [mention any code style requirements]

Example of a similar function I like: [optional: small code snippet showing style/format]

Please structure your response as follows:
1. Explanation of your approach and design decisions
2. Complete, well-commented code implementation
3. Example usage with sample input and output
4. At least [number] test cases covering normal and edge cases

Show your step-by-step reasoning as you develop the solution.

If my initial request isn't clear enough, ask questions before coding.

Act as an expert Python developer. Write a function named sort_by_length that sorts a list of strings by their length, from shortest to longest.

Technical requirements:
- Input: A list of strings (may contain empty strings, or be empty itself)
- Output: A new list with the same strings sorted by length (shortest to longest)
- Edge cases: Must handle empty lists, lists with duplicates, and maintain original order for strings of equal length (stable sort)
- Performance considerations: Solution should be O(n log n) time complexity
- Style guidelines: Follow PEP 8, use type hints, and write docstrings in Google style

Example of a similar function I like:

```python
def extract_values(data_dict: dict, max_depth: int = 3) -> list:
    """Extracts all values from nested dictionary.

    Args:
        data_dict: Dictionary to extract values from
        max_depth: Maximum recursion depth

    Returns:
        List of all values found
    """
    # Implementation here
```

Please structure your response as follows:
1. Explanation of your approach and any algorithm choices
2. Complete, well-commented implementation with type hints
3. Example usage with this input: ["apple", "pear", "banana", "kiwi", "orange", "grape", "fig", "pear"]
4. At least 3 test cases, including one that demonstrates handling of equal-length strings

Show your step-by-step reasoning as you develop the solution.

If my initial request isn't clear enough, ask questions before coding. For example, should I prioritize readability or performance optimization?

I have a [system/device/software] issue: [describe symptom or error].

- System specs: [relevant hardware/software details]
- When it started: [timeframe or after what event]
- Already tried: [steps already attempted]
- Patterns noticed: [any triggers or conditions]

Please provide:
- Ranked list of possible causes from most to least likely
- Step-by-step troubleshooting plan (prioritizing data safety)
- Long-term prevention recommendations

Walk through your diagnostic reasoning process explicitly. If you're uncertain about aspects of my system, ask clarifying questions before providing final recommendations.

If your initial analysis doesn't resolve my issue, I'll provide specific feedback about what didn't work so you can refine your recommendations.

I have a MacBook Pro (2021, M1 Pro, 16GB RAM, macOS Sonoma 14.3) issue: it randomly restarts approximately once every hour during active use.

- System specs: 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD (30% free space), running macOS Sonoma 14.3
- When it started: Problem began 3 days ago after installing the latest OS update
- Already tried: SMC reset, disk utility repair, updated all apps, ran Apple Diagnostics (no issues found)
- Patterns noticed: Happens more frequently when using multiple browser tabs or during video calls

Please provide:
- A prioritized list of 3-5 most likely causes
- Step-by-step diagnostic and repair instructions for each possible cause
- Guidance on whether this requires professional service
- Ways to prevent this issue from recurring in the future

Walk through your diagnostic reasoning process explicitly. If you need more details about my system configuration or error logs, please ask specific questions before providing final recommendations.

If your initial solutions don't resolve my issue, I'll provide feedback about what didn't work so you can refine your approach based on those results.

Act as a [role/expertise] specializing in [relevant domain].

GOAL: [clearly state the primary objective upfront]

Context:
- Project details: [specific information about your situation]
- Target audience: [demographic details, preferences, pain points]
- Key constraints: [budget, timeline, technical limitations, etc.]
- Success criteria: [how results will be measured]
- Current status: [where you are now in relation to the goal]
- Approaches to avoid: [what you don't want]

Generate [number] [adjective] ideas for [specific topic/goal] that:
- Address the needs of our target audience
- Align with our [brand values/mission/strategic objectives]
- Can be implemented within our constraints

For each idea, please provide:
1. Catchy name or title (5-7 words)
2. Concise description (2-3 sentences)
3. Key differentiating factor
4. Implementation considerations
5. Potential challenges to overcome

Act as a social media growth strategist specializing in X (formerly Twitter).

GOAL: Grow my X account from 500 to 10,000 authentic followers within 6 months while building a recognizable personal brand.

Context:
- Project details: I'm a software developer specializing in AI/ML who wants to share technical insights and career advice
- Target audience: Early to mid-career developers (25-45), tech enthusiasts, and people transitioning into tech
- Key constraints: Maximum 5 hours per week for content creation, $200/month budget, no paid promotion
- Success criteria: 10K followers, 5% engagement rate, 20+ mentions per week, 3+ collaboration opportunities monthly
- Current status: 500 followers, inconsistent posting (1-2 times weekly), minimal engagement (<2%)
- Approaches to avoid: Controversy baiting, generic motivational content, excessive self-promotion

Generate 5 actionable X growth strategies that:
- Showcase my technical expertise without requiring overly complex content creation
- Build authentic connections with the developer community
- Can be consistently implemented with limited time investment
- Leverage X's algorithm and feature set effectively

For each strategy, please provide:
1. Strategy name (5-7 words)
2. Core approach (2-3 sentences)
3. Key differentiator from typical growth advice
4. Specific implementation plan with weekly schedule
5. Metrics to track and potential growth bottlenecks

Act as a [data analyst/business intelligence specialist/etc.] with expertise in [relevant field].

GOAL: [clearly state what decisions or actions this analysis will inform]

DATA OVERVIEW:
[Provide a clear description of your dataset, including:
- Type and source of data
- Time period covered
- Key metrics and their units
- Any known limitations or data quality issues]

Raw Data:
[Insert your data in a structured format - table, list, etc.]

Context & Background:
- Business goals: [What decisions will this analysis inform?]
- Previous insights: [What do you already know or suspect?]
- Industry benchmarks: [Any relevant comparison points]

Analysis Objectives:
1. [Specific question or hypothesis to explore]
2. [Pattern or relationship to investigate]
3. [Business implication to address]

Sample output format I'm looking for:
[Optional: Brief example of preferred analysis structure/format]

Please structure your analysis as follows:
1. Summary of key findings (3-5 bullet points)
2. Detailed trend analysis with likely causal factors
3. Anomaly identification and explanation
4. Data-driven recommendations (short and long-term)
5. Suggestions for additional data that would enhance future analysis

Show your reasoning process throughout the analysis. If you need additional context or clarification about the data, please ask before proceeding with your full analysis.

Act as a senior business analyst specializing in retail sales performance.

GOAL: Determine whether to open two new store locations and plan inventory levels based on historical sales data analysis.

DATA OVERVIEW:
This dataset shows quarterly sales figures (in $1000s) for a mid-sized electronics retailer over three consecutive fiscal years. Figures represent total revenue across all store locations.

Raw Data:
Quarterly sales for 3 fiscal years (in $1000s):
Year 1: Q1: 10k, Q2: 12k, Q3: 15k, Q4: 20k
Year 2: Q1: 15k, Q2: 18k, Q3: 22k, Q4: 28k
Year 3: Q1: 20k, Q2: 24k, Q3: 30k, Q4: 35k

Context & Background:
- Business goals: Planning inventory levels for the upcoming year and determining whether to open two new store locations
- Previous insights: Our marketing spend has been consistent year-round, but we traditionally launch new product lines in Q3
- Industry benchmarks: Industry average growth is 8% year-over-year; competitors show 15-20% Q4 spikes

Analysis Objectives:
1. Identify and explain the overall growth trajectory and seasonal patterns
2. Analyze the Q4 spikes and determine if they're increasing proportionally
3. Forecast potential sales for Year 4 based on existing trends
4. Assess whether the growth rate justifies expansion

Sample output format I'm looking for:
Key Findings:
- Finding 1: [1-2 sentence summary with specific data point]
- Finding 2: [1-2 sentence summary with specific data point]
[Followed by detailed analysis sections]

Please structure your analysis as follows:
1. Executive summary of key performance indicators and trends
2. Quarter-by-quarter analysis with growth rates and seasonal factors
3. Deep-dive into Q4 performance and contributing factors
4. Year 4 projections with confidence intervals
5. Evidence-based recommendation regarding expansion plans

Show your reasoning process throughout the analysis. If you need clarification on any aspect of the data or business context, please ask before proceeding with your full analysis.

Act as a [specific financial role: e.g., portfolio manager, technical analyst, crypto researcher] with expertise in [market segment/approach].

ASSET ANALYSIS REQUEST:
- Asset(s): [specific stock/crypto/ETF symbols]
- Current situation: [price movement, from $X to $Y over Z timeframe]
- My position: [current holdings, entry points, investment goals]
- Market context: [relevant sector trends, index performance, notable recent events]

Key Performance Metrics:
- Price action: [support/resistance levels, key technical indicators]
- Fundamental factors: [relevant financial metrics, competitive landscape]
- Volatility profile: [historical volatility, risk measures]
- Liquidity considerations: [volume patterns, market depth]

Please provide a comprehensive analysis including:
1. Technical assessment (chart patterns, indicator readings, momentum)
2. Fundamental analysis (business health, competitive position, growth outlook)
3. Market sentiment evaluation (institutional positioning, retail sentiment, news impact)
4. Risk assessment (downside scenarios, key vulnerabilities, risk-reward ratio)
5. Actionable strategic recommendations with specific entry/exit parameters
6. Alternative perspectives or contrarian viewpoints to consider

Act as a senior equity analyst specializing in technology sector investments with both technical and fundamental expertise.

ASSET ANALYSIS REQUEST:
- Asset: AAPL (Apple Inc.)
- Current situation: Stock rose from $152 to $187 over the past 3 months (+23%), with a notable 2-week consolidation period between $184-189
- My position: Currently hold 100 shares at $145 average cost basis, considering whether to take profits or add to position
- Market context: Tech sector outperforming broader market (+18% vs +8% for S&P500), upcoming Fed decision on interest rates, recent product launch event

Key Performance Metrics:
- Price action: Currently testing resistance at $190, 50-day MA at $176, RSI at 68 (approaching overbought)
- Fundamental factors: P/E of 32.8, revenue growth 7.2% YoY, profit margins steady at 25.3%, recent AI integration announcements
- Volatility profile: 30-day historical volatility of 22% (lower than 1-year average of 27%)
- Liquidity considerations: Average daily volume 68M shares, institutional ownership increased 2.4% last quarter

Please provide a comprehensive analysis including:
1. Technical assessment of current chart patterns and likely price trajectories
2. Fundamental analysis of Apple's current business strength and growth catalysts
3. Evaluation of market sentiment regarding Apple's AI strategy vs competitors
4. Risk assessment highlighting potential downsides from supply chain issues and regulatory concerns
5. Specific strategic recommendations with ideal profit-taking levels and stop-loss parameters
6. Alternative perspective on whether Apple's valuation supports further upside in a high interest rate environment

I need this analysis to decide whether to take partial profits, hold my current position, or increase my stake following the upcoming earnings announcement.

Act as a [specific marketing role: e.g., CMO, brand strategist, growth marketer] with expertise in [industry or marketing approach].

GOAL: [clearly state your primary marketing objective upfront]

MARKETING OBJECTIVE:
Primary goal: [specific, measurable objective]
Timeline: [duration of campaign/initiative]
Budget consideration: [approximate range or constraints]

PRODUCT/SERVICE DETAILS:
- Description: [what you're marketing - key features and benefits]
- Unique value proposition: [what sets it apart from competitors]
- Current market position: [new entry, established player, rebranding, etc.]
- Price point: [actual price or relative positioning - premium, budget, etc.]

TARGET AUDIENCE:
- Primary demographics: [age, location, income level, education, etc.]
- Psychographics: [values, interests, pain points, motivations]
- Buying behavior: [how/where they typically discover and purchase similar products]
- Current awareness level: [familiarity with your brand/product/service]

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE:
- Key competitors: [who you're competing against]
- Their strengths: [what they do well]
- Their weaknesses: [opportunities for differentiation]
- Recent industry trends: [relevant market shifts or emerging channels]

Example of successful campaign structure I like: [brief description of campaign format you prefer]

Please develop [number] comprehensive marketing strategies including:
1. Strategy name and core approach
2. Channel selection with specific tactics for each
3. Content/creative direction and key messaging
4. Implementation timeline with major milestones
5. Projected outcomes and measurement KPIs
6. Estimated resource requirements (budget, team, tools)

Show your reasoning process for each strategy. If you need clarification on any aspect of my business or market, please ask before proceeding.

Act as a senior digital marketing director with expertise in SaaS customer acquisition and retention.

GOAL: Transform our productivity app's freemium conversion rate from underperforming to industry-leading within 6 months.

MARKETING OBJECTIVE:
Primary goal: Increase paid user conversions by 35% for our productivity app within 6 months
Timeline: 6-month campaign with quarterly assessment points
Budget consideration: $75,000 total ($12,500/month) with 70% for acquisition, 30% for retention

PRODUCT/SERVICE DETAILS:
- Description: "TimeFlow" is a cross-platform productivity app that combines task management, time tracking, and focus tools with AI-powered insights
- Unique value proposition: Automatically suggests optimal work patterns based on user behavior analysis and integrates seamlessly with 15+ popular work tools
- Current market position: Established player (5 years) with strong free tier (1.2M users) but underperforming paid conversion (2.7% vs industry avg 3.5%)
- Price point: Freemium model with $9.99/month Pro tier and $16.99/month Team tier (minimum 3 seats)

TARGET AUDIENCE:
- Primary demographics: Knowledge workers and freelancers, 28-45, urban areas, $65K+ income, tech-savvy
- Psychographics: Value efficiency, experience productivity guilt, seek work-life balance, concerned about digital overwhelm
- Buying behavior: Research-heavy, influenced by peer recommendations and review sites, typically try free version for 2-3 weeks before considering upgrade
- Current awareness level: High brand recognition in productivity space, but unclear differentiation from competitors

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE:
- Key competitors: Todoist, Notion, ClickUp, and several new AI productivity startups
- Their strengths: Stronger brand identities, more specialized use cases, aggressive feature development
- Their weaknesses: Complex user interfaces, lack of integrated time tracking/focus tools, limited AI capabilities
- Recent industry trends: Growing AI integration, shift toward all-in-one solutions, increased focus on mental wellbeing features

Example of successful campaign structure I like: HubSpot's freemium conversion strategy with feature education, targeted use cases, and value-based messaging across email sequences and in-app touchpoints.

Please develop 3 comprehensive marketing strategies including:
1. Strategy name and core approach
2. Channel selection with specific tactics for each (content, paid acquisition, partnerships, etc.)
3. Content/creative direction and key messaging themes
4. Implementation timeline with major milestones and testing points
5. Projected outcomes for each strategy with specific KPIs to track
6. Estimated resource allocation and team responsibilities

Show your reasoning process for how each strategy specifically addresses our conversion gap. If you need additional details about our target users' pain points or feature usage patterns, please ask before proceeding with your full strategy.

Focus particularly on addressing the conversion gap and highlight how each strategy specifically moves users from free to paid tiers while maintaining our brand values of simplicity and wellbeing.

Act as an experienced [subject] instructor/tutor specializing in [specific area].

Topic: [specific concept, skill, or technology to learn]

LEARNING CONTEXT:
- Current knowledge level: [beginner, intermediate, etc.]
- Learning goals: [what you want to accomplish or understand]
- Available time commitment: [hours per day/week]
- Learning style preferences: [hands-on, visual, theoretical, etc.]
- Timeline: [how quickly you need to learn this]

Please provide:
1. Clear explanation of core concepts and their relationships
2. Structured learning path with progression milestones
3. Essential skills/knowledge to focus on first
4. Practical exercises or projects that reinforce learning
5. Common mistakes or misconceptions to avoid
6. Recommended resources (documentation, tutorials, courses)

For any practice activities, include:
- Detailed instructions for implementation
- Sample code/solutions where applicable
- How the activity reinforces specific concepts
- Ways to verify understanding and progress

Act as an experienced web development instructor specializing in modern JavaScript frameworks.

Topic: Learning Next.js and React for beginners.

Please provide:
1. A clear explanation of what React and Next.js are and how they relate to each other
2. A structured 4-week learning path for someone with basic HTML/CSS/JavaScript knowledge
3. Key concepts that are essential to understand (component architecture, state management, routing, etc.)
4. A simple practice project that demonstrates core concepts in action
5. Common pitfalls beginners should avoid
6. Recommended learning resources (documentation, tutorials, communities)

For the practice project, include:
- Step-by-step instructions for creating a simple blog with Next.js
- Code snippets for key functionality (creating components, fetching data, implementing routes)
- Explanation of how React concepts are being applied in the Next.js context
- How to deploy the finished project

Assume I have 1-2 hours daily to dedicate to learning and prefer hands-on coding exercises over theoretical explanations.

Act as a legal reasoning assistant with expertise in [area of law].

SITUATION OVERVIEW:
- Primary legal issue: [specific legal matter or question]
- Jurisdiction: [relevant country/state/region]
- Parties involved: [who is involved and their relationships]
- Timeline: [relevant dates and sequence of events]

KEY FACTS AND DOCUMENTS:
- Relevant agreements: [contracts, terms of service, etc.]
- Important communications: [emails, letters, verbal agreements]
- Financial details: [payments, amounts owed, damages]
- Prior actions taken: [attempts to resolve, previous legal steps]

LEGAL QUESTIONS:
1. [First specific legal question]
2. [Second specific legal question]
3. [Additional questions as needed]

Please analyze this situation considering:
1. Applicable laws and regulations
2. Relevant legal principles and precedents
3. Potential claims and defenses
4. Strengths and weaknesses of the legal position
5. Options for resolution (formal and informal)
6. Next steps and recommended documentation

Walk through your legal reasoning process explicitly. If you need additional facts or context to provide a more accurate analysis, please ask clarifying questions.

Note any additional information needed for a more complete analysis, and highlight areas where consulting with a licensed attorney in the relevant jurisdiction is particularly important.

Act as a legal reasoning assistant with expertise in contract law and freelance business relationships.

SITUATION OVERVIEW:
- Primary legal issue: Terminating a freelance design contract due to client non-payment
- Jurisdiction: California, United States
- Parties involved: Freelance graphic designer (myself) and a medium-sized marketing agency client
- Timeline: Contract signed 3 months ago, work delivered on schedule, payment now 45 days overdue

KEY FACTS AND DOCUMENTS:
- Relevant agreements: Signed contract with 50% upfront payment (received) and 50% due upon completion
- Important communications: Three email payment reminders sent over past 6 weeks, client initially promised payment but now unresponsive for 2 weeks
- Financial details: Outstanding balance of $3,200, representing 80 hours of design work at agreed rate
- Prior actions taken: Phone calls, emails, offered payment plan option, all delivered work has watermarks as specified in contract

LEGAL QUESTIONS:
1. What constitutes material breach of contract in this situation?
2. What are my rights regarding termination and retention of intellectual property?
3. What steps should I take to formally terminate the contract while protecting my legal rights?
4. What options do I have for recovering the unpaid fees?

Please analyze this situation considering:
1. California contract law relevant to freelance work and service agreements
2. My rights regarding intellectual property ownership until full payment
3. Potential claims against the client and their potential defenses
4. Strengths and weaknesses of my position if this escalated to small claims court
5. Options for resolution including demand letters, mediation, and small claims action
6. Next steps for documentation and communication to protect my interests

Walk through your legal reasoning process and cite relevant California contract laws where possible. If you need any additional details about my contract terms or communication history, please ask specific questions.

Also note what additional information would strengthen my position and when I should absolutely consult with a licensed California attorney rather than proceeding on my own.

Act as a wellness education specialist with background in [relevant health field].

WELLNESS CONCERN:
Primary issue: [describe the general health/wellness concern]
Duration and pattern: [how long experienced, any patterns or triggers]
Impact on daily life: [how it affects work, relationships, activities]

RELEVANT CONTEXT:
- Current lifestyle: [sleep, exercise, nutrition habits]
- Recent changes: [any lifestyle, environmental, or routine changes]
- Self-care approaches tried: [what you've already attempted]
- Existing health knowledge: [what you already understand about this concern]

WELLNESS GOALS:
- Short-term relief: [immediate improvements sought]
- Long-term wellness: [sustainable lifestyle changes desired]
- Knowledge needed: [what you want to understand better]

Please provide:
1. General education about potential factors influencing this concern
2. Evidence-based lifestyle adjustments that may help
3. Self-monitoring strategies to identify patterns or triggers
4. Specific questions to discuss with healthcare providers
5. Reliable resources for further learning

Explain your reasoning for each recommendation based on science. If you need more specific details about my situation to provide tailored guidance, please ask clarifying questions first.

I understand this guidance is educational only and will consult healthcare providers for any concerning symptoms or for personalized medical advice.

Act as a wellness education specialist with background in sleep science and energy management.

WELLNESS CONCERN:
Primary issue: Persistent afternoon energy crashes and difficulty concentrating (around 2-4 PM daily)
Duration and pattern: Occurring for approximately 3 months, worse on workdays and after lunch
Impact on daily life: Significantly reducing productivity, causing missed deadlines and increased work stress

RELEVANT CONTEXT:
- Current lifestyle: 6-7 hours sleep nightly, desk job (8+ hours screen time), minimal exercise, coffee (2-3 cups before noon)
- Recent changes: New project with increased workload, started skipping breakfast, lunch usually at desk while working
- Self-care approaches tried: More coffee, afternoon snacks (usually processed carbs), standing occasionally during work
- Existing health knowledge: Aware that diet, exercise and sleep affect energy, but unsure of specific changes needed

WELLNESS GOALS:
- Short-term relief: Find natural ways to maintain energy and focus throughout the workday
- Long-term wellness: Develop sustainable habits that support consistent energy levels
- Knowledge needed: Understand the science behind energy fluctuations and practical interventions

Please provide:
1. Educational overview of factors affecting afternoon energy levels
2. Evidence-based lifestyle modifications for stabilizing energy (nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management)
3. Morning and lunchtime routine suggestions for preventing afternoon crashes
4. A simple 2-week self-tracking system to identify personal patterns and effective interventions
5. When these symptoms might warrant medical consultation and specific questions to ask
6. Reliable resources for deeper understanding of chronobiology and energy management

Explain the scientific reasoning behind your recommendations. If you need more details about my typical meals, sleep patterns, or other lifestyle factors to provide more tailored advice, please ask.

I understand this guidance is educational only and will consult healthcare providers for any concerning symptoms or for personalized medical advice.

Act as an experienced [genre] writer with a distinctive style similar to [authors/works].

STORY PARAMETERS:
- Genre/Subgenre: [specific genre and any subgenre elements]
- Target length: [word/page count]
- Target audience: [age group, interests, or demographic]
- Tone/mood: [emotional quality of the piece]

NARRATIVE ELEMENTS:
- Main character: [name, key traits, initial situation]
- Setting: [time period, location, notable features]
- Central conflict: [primary tension or challenge]
- Key theme(s): [underlying message or exploration]
- Required plot points: [specific events that must occur]

STYLE GUIDELINES:
- POV: [first person, third person limited/omniscient, etc.]
- Tense: [past, present]
- Language: [formal/informal, lyrical/direct, etc.]
- Special constraints: [any unique requirements or challenges]

Please craft a compelling narrative that subverts expectations while delivering emotional resonance. Focus on showing rather than telling, use sensory details, and create meaningful character development.