Debugging Your Prompts

Even experienced prompt engineers encounter issues. Here's how to systematically debug and improve your prompts.

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem: Output is Too Generic

Symptoms:

• Responses feel like they could apply to anything
• Lack of specific details
• Missing personality or voice

Solutions:

1. Add specific details to your prompt
2. Include examples of what you want
3. Specify the target audience
4. Request concrete examples in the output

Before:

Write about productivity tips.

After:

Write 5 productivity tips specifically for remote software developers who struggle with context-switching between coding and meetings. Include one actionable technique for each tip.

Problem: Output is Too Long/Short

Solutions:

• Specify exact word counts
• Request a specific number of items/paragraphs
• Use phrases like "be concise" or "elaborate on each point"

Problem: Wrong Tone or Style

Solutions:

1. Provide example sentences in your desired tone
2. Name specific writers/brands to emulate
3. List words to avoid or include
4. Specify formality level (1-10 scale)

Problem: Hallucinations/Inaccuracies

Solutions:

1. Ask the AI to cite sources
2. Request confidence levels
3. Tell it to say "I don't know" when uncertain
4. Break complex questions into verifiable parts

Problem: Inconsistent Outputs

Solutions:

1. Use structured templates
2. Lower temperature settings (if available)
3. Be more specific about requirements
4. Use few-shot examples

The Debugging Process

Step 1: Identify the Gap

Compare expected vs. actual output. What specifically is wrong?

Step 2: Isolate the Cause

• Is the role unclear?
• Is the intent ambiguous?
• Are constraints missing?
• Does it need examples?

Step 3: Make One Change

Change only one element at a time. This helps you understand what works.

Step 4: Test and Compare

Run the modified prompt and compare results.

Step 5: Document What Works

Build a library of successful patterns.

Quick Fixes

When to Start Over

Sometimes it's faster to rewrite than debug:

• The output is completely off-base
• You've made 5+ iterations without improvement
• Your requirements have changed significantly

Prevention > Debugging

Use templates like RISEN to prevent issues before they occur. Structured prompts have fewer bugs.