Prompting

Zero-shot learning

Zero-shot learning relies on instructions without examples.

Quick definition

Zero-shot learning relies on instructions without examples.

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

What it means

The model generalizes from its training without in-prompt examples. In prompting workflows, zero-shot learning 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

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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.