Structured outputs and conditional prompts

ChatGPT Prompt Engineering for Developers

Fouad Trad

Machine Learning Engineer

Structured outputs

LLMs generate structured outputs only when given explicit instructions
Output structures:
- Table
- List
- Structured paragraph
- Custom format

Visual diagram showing that when we ask ChatGPT for a structured output, we obtain an output with the structure we requested, but when we don't specify the required structure we obtain an answer with random or no structure at all.

Tables

Clearly mention expected columns

prompt = "Generate a table containing 5 movies I should watch if I am an action 
lover, with columns for Title and Rating."
print(get_response(prompt))

| Title                           | Rating |
|---------------------------------|--------|
| Mad Max: Fury Road              | 8.1    |
| John Wick                       | 7.4    |
| The Dark Knight                 | 9.0    |
| Die Hard                        | 8.2    |
| Gladiator                       | 8.5    |

Lists

Helpful for enumerations

prompt = "Generate a list containing the names of the top 5 cities to visit."
print(get_response(prompt))

1. Tokyo, Japan
2. Paris, France
3. Rome, Italy
4. New York City, United States
5. Sydney, Australia

Lists

Requirements for numbering should be mentioned in prompt

prompt = "Generate an unordered list containing the names of the top 5 cities to visit."
print(get_response(prompt))

- Paris, France
- Tokyo, Japan
- Rome, Italy
- New York City, United States
- Sydney, Australia

Structured paragraphs

Mention structure requirements in prompt

prompt = "Provide a structured paragraph with clear headings and subheadings 
about the benefits of regular exercise on overall health and well-being."
print(get_response(prompt))

Structured paragraphs

I. Introduction
Regular exercise is essential for maintaining good health and overall well-being. [...]

II. Physical Health Benefits
a. Weight Management: Regular exercise is [...]
b. Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases: Exercise has been linked to [...]
c. Increased Strength and Flexibility: Regular exercise improves muscle strength and [...]

III. Mental Health Benefits
a. Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Exercise has a profound impact on [...]
b. Improved Sleep Quality: Regular exercise is associated with improved sleep patterns [...]
c. Boosted Brain Function: Studies show that exercise enhances cognitive function [...]

Custom output format

text = "Once upon a time in a quaint little village, there lived a curious young boy named 
David. David was [...]"

instructions = "You will be provided with a text delimited by triple backticks. Generate a 
suitable title for it. "


output_format = """Use the following format for the output:
         - Text: <text we want to title>
         - Title: <the generated title>"""


prompt = instructions + output_format + f"```{text}```"
print(get_response(prompt))

- Text: Once upon a time in a quaint little village, there lived a curious young boy [...]
- Title: The Extraordinary Adventure of David and the Mysterious Book

Conditional prompts

Incorporate logic or conditions
Conditional prompts follow an if-else style

Visual diagram showing a test condition. If this condition is true X should be performed, and if it is false, Y should be performed.

Conditional prompts

text = "Le printemps est ma saison préférée. Quand les premières fleurs commencent 
à éclore, et que les arbres se parent de feuilles vertes et tendres, je me sens 
revivre [...] "

prompt = f"""You will be provided with a text delimited by triple backticks. 
         If the text is written in English, suggest a suitable title for it.
         Otherwise, write 'I only understand English'.
         ```{text}```"""

print(get_response(prompt))

I only understand English

Conditional prompts

Can incorporate multiple conditions

text = "In the heart of the forest, sunlight filters through the lush green canopy, 
creating a tranquil atmosphere [...] "

prompt = f"""You will be provided with a text delimited by triple backticks. 
         If the text is written in English, check if it contains the keyword 'technology'. 


         ```{text}```"""
print(get_response(prompt))

Conditional prompts

Can incorporate multiple conditions

text = "In the heart of the forest, sunlight filters through the lush green canopy, 
creating a tranquil atmosphere [...] "

prompt = f"""You will be provided with a text delimited by triple backticks. 
         If the text is written in English, check if it contains the keyword 'technology'. 
         If it does, suggest a suitable title for it, otherwise, write 'Keyword not found'.

         ```{text}```"""
print(get_response(prompt))

Conditional prompts

Can incorporate multiple conditions

text = "In the heart of the forest, sunlight filters through the lush green canopy, 
creating a tranquil atmosphere [...] "

prompt = f"""You will be provided with a text delimited by triple backticks. 
         If the text is written in English, check if it contains the keyword 'technology'. 
         If it does, suggest a suitable title for it, otherwise, write 'Keyword not found'.
         If the text is not written in English, reply with 'I only understand English'.
         ```{text}```"""
print(get_response(prompt))

Keyword not found

Let's practice!

ChatGPT Prompt Engineering for Developers