Prompt Engineering Patterns Handbook

Introduction

Prompt engineering is the art of crafting clear, purposeful instructions for large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT. Done well, it’s less “asking nicely” and more architecting conversations so the AI delivers exactly what you need — consistently.

The patterns here are reusable blueprints. Each is like a Lego brick: snap them together to build anything from a polite email rewriter to a fully automated AI agent workflow.

Overview

The Prompt Engineering Patterns Handbook is a Markdown-based guide that catalogues reusable prompt-design blueprints for large language models. The repository includes a project overview README.md and a docs/ directory with four themed pattern files (docs/interaction-patterns.md, docs/structuring-patterns.md, docs/reasoning-patterns.md, and docs/creativity-patterns.md) alongside contributing guidelines.

Architecture & Concepts

• Master index – docs/README.md lists every pattern, grouped into four categories: Interaction, Structuring, Reasoning & Analysis, and Creativity & Exploration.
• Pattern files – Each category file in docs/ documents specific patterns using a consistent template: description, purpose, problem solved, data needed, a “quick copy-paste prompt,” and general vs. AI-agent examples.
• Custom GPTs – gpts/ contains ready-to-use GPT configurations that apply these patterns in practice.
• Contribution workflow – CONTRIBUTING.md outlines how to add a new pattern: choose the correct group file, follow the standard section format, and update the docs catalog.

Pointers for Further Exploration

1. Dive into pattern groups: Start with the docs’ “Detailed Guides” links to explore each category in depth.
2. Practice with examples: Try out the “Quick Copy-Paste Prompt” snippets in the pattern files to see how they influence model responses.
3. Contribute new patterns: Follow the contributing guidelines to add or refine patterns, keeping examples and prompts concise.
4. Experiment with chaining patterns: Combine multiple patterns (e.g., Persona + Template) to build richer, more controllable prompt workflows.

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Explore the full pattern catalog and detailed guides in the docs directory.