Summary of Efficient Prompt Techniques#
I will guide you through mastering efficient prompt techniques from three aspects, which can increase your development efficiency by more than three times. The article includes detailed templates, source code, and online website previews.
Basic Structure and Principles of Prompts#
A good Cursor prompt usually consists of three parts: goal description + contextual information + specific requirements. For example: Create a React login component, styled with Tailwind CSS, that includes email validation and a "remember password" option.
Effect Demonstration:#
- Golden Principles of Prompts
- Specificity over ambiguity: Specify language, framework, and functionality
- Conciseness over verbosity: Focus on one clear task at a time
- Structure over disorder: Use markers to organize information
5 Practical Prompt Templates#
1. Code Generation Template#
Create [function description] using [programming language], with requirements:
- [Feature point 1]
- [Feature point 2]
- [Feature point 3]
2. Code Explanation Template Explain the functionality and working principle of the following code:#
[Paste the code to be explained]
Main focus:
- [Focus point 1]
- [Focus point 2]
3. Code Refactoring Template Refactor the following code to improve its [performance/readability/maintainability]:#
[Paste the code to be refactored]
Key improvements:
- [Improvement point 1]
- [Improvement point 2]
But keep the original functionality unchanged.
4. Debugging Assistance Template The following code has a [error description] issue:#
[Paste the problematic code]
Error message: [Paste error message]
I have tried: [Solutions you have tried]
Help me identify and fix the problem.
5. Feature Extension Template Based on the existing code:#
[Paste existing code]
Add [new feature description] functionality, ensuring consistency with the existing code style.
Common Errors and Avoidance Methods#
| Error Type | Example | Improvement Method |
|---|---|---|
| Too vague | Create a nice UI, use Material UI to create a data table that supports sorting and pagination | Clearly specify requirements, list necessary features and design details |
| Implicit assumptions | Fix login issue "Fix the 401 error that occurs after submitting the login form, detailed error log:..." | Describe the problem background in detail, provide necessary contextual information |
| Terminology confusion | Create a responsive program, develop a React component that displays well on both mobile and desktop | Use clear terminology, ensure all relevant parties have a consistent understanding of terms |