AI prompt engineering is introduced in a friendly way using Google’s Gems

As generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) becomes more prevalent, prompt engineering is becoming a critical new tech skill. Making the correct requests to get a chatbot, like ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini, to perform what you want is more of an art than a science when it comes to building a successful prompt.

Sometimes, a well-crafted prompt can make the difference between a bot’s halfway-decent and awful output.

Introduced this week, Gems, a new element of Google’s Gemini large language architecture, provides an intensive introduction to rapid engineering. If you plan to use Gen AI extensively or spend a lot of time working with the technology, this feature is definitely worth checking out.

You can store concentrated conversation sessions called gems in your Gemini dashboard. They are meant to assist with assignments like coming up with a business plan, honing your study techniques, or polishing your writing.

You can store concentrated conversation sessions called gems in your Gemini dashboard. They are meant to assist with assignments like coming up with a business plan, honing your study techniques, or polishing your writing.

Gems are comparable to other methods that enable a Gen AI user to create a prompt and store it for later use. As an illustration, OpenAI provides its marketplace for GPTs created by other parties.

Gems are a simpler type of software that you can customize to suit your needs.

Similar to custom instructions, which are prompts you store in your settings and which ChatGPT is meant to use when replying, gems are likewise. The distinction between the two is that whereas Gems instructions are exclusive to a single Gem, custom instructions are designed to function in every ChatGPT instance.

Not every Android user of Google’s Gemini mobile app will be able to access gems. Go to gemini.google.com if you are unable to see Gems. Apple users will need to use Gemini on the Web as Gems are currently completely inoperable on the iOS app for the iPhone and iPad.

Gems are only available to Google Gemini Advanced plan members, or those using the business version.

In order to begin creating a new Gem, navigate from the Gemini sidebar to the Gem manager screen:

To give your Gem a name and/or description, type “French tutor” and click “New Gem”. You’ll then input the instructions. This is the crucial section. You are providing Gemini with instructions on what you want this Gem to do for you (e.g., “assist me in learning French”) as well as how you would like the conversation to flow. Since there are no tips provided, you’re attempting to create your own prompting approach:

However, Google offers five pre-built Gems in the Gems manager that can help you acquire some ideas: Brainstormer, Career advisor, Coding partner, Learning coach, and Writing editor.

When you use the small “copy” symbol to make a duplicate of any of these Gems, all of Google’s instructions for the Gem are revealed. Consider it as a prompt engineering template that you can expand upon. You can add, remove, or change the boilerplate that Google has provided by entering your own instructions in that field.

If more prompt elements come to mind later, you can add them. Simply choose the pencil icon next to the Gem you wish to alter by going back to the sidebar and back into the Gem manager interface.

Just like with any chat session, you start typing to one of the Gems from the sidebar when prompted.

Komal Patil: