Prompting

JSON mode

JSON mode constrains output to valid JSON.

Quick definition

JSON mode constrains output to valid JSON.

  • Category: Prompting
  • Focus: control and response quality
  • Used in: Standardizing responses with templates and clear instructions.

What it means

It reduces parsing errors in apps. In prompting workflows, json mode often shapes control and response quality.

How it works

Prompting structures the instructions, context, and examples the model sees. Small changes in wording and format can shift output quality.

Why it matters

Prompting controls behavior, format, and response quality.

Common use cases

  • Standardizing responses with templates and clear instructions.
  • Improving quality with few-shot examples.
  • Constraining format for JSON, tables, or checklists.

Example

Always return a JSON object.

Pitfalls and tips

Overly long prompts dilute key instructions and waste tokens. Keep prompts concise and explicit.

In BoltAI

In BoltAI, you will see this in prompts, system instructions, and templates.