Constraint-based prompting is a technique that involves explicitly defining boundaries, requirements, and limitations for AI responses. Rather than relying solely on open-ended instructions, this approach establishes clear parameters that the AI must work within. These constraints can guide everything from content format and structure to style, tone, reasoning processes, and output length, ensuring the generation aligns precisely with user needs.
Here’s a simple constraint-based prompting example for content creation:
Format-Constrained Response
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---provider: OpenAImodel: gpt-4otemperature: 0.7---# Constrained Content GenerationPlease generate content that strictly adheres to the following constraints:## Topic:{{ topic }}## Format Constraints:- Maximum length: 300 words- Must include exactly 5 paragraphs- Each paragraph must be 2-4 sentences- Must include exactly 3 bullet points in the middle paragraph- Must include a one-sentence summary at the end in bold text## Style Constraints:- Tone: Professional and informative- Avoid: Jargon, colloquialisms, and first-person references- Vocabulary level: Accessible to general audience (avoid specialized terminology)## Content Constraints:- Must include at least 2 specific examples- Must present balanced perspective with multiple viewpoints- No speculative content without clear indication (use phrases like "may," "might," "research suggests")- No claims requiring citations that aren't provided## Response:[Generate content that strictly adheres to all constraints above]
Advanced Implementation with Hierarchical Constraints
Let’s create a more sophisticated example that implements hierarchical constraints:
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---provider: OpenAImodel: gpt-4otemperature: 0.7---<step># Constraint Definition and PlanningLet's define a hierarchical constraint system for addressing this task:## Task:{{ task_description }}## Primary Constraints (Must Follow):1. Content must be factually accurate2. Output must follow the specified structure: [structure details]3. Total length must be between [min] and [max] words4. Must directly address the core question without tangents## Secondary Constraints (Should Follow):1. Content should incorporate key terms: [list key terms]2. Examples should come from diverse domains3. Language should be accessible to [target audience]4. Complex concepts should be explained with analogies## Tertiary Constraints (When Possible):1. Include relevant quantitative data when available2. Consider multiple perspectives on controversial aspects3. Highlight limitations in current knowledge4. Connect to broader implications## Constraint Conflicts Resolution Plan:If constraints conflict, prioritize in this order:1. Primary constraints always take precedence2. Secondary constraints yield to primary but override tertiary3. Tertiary constraints are implemented only when not compromising higher-level constraints</step><step># Content Generation Under ConstraintsNow I'll generate content following the hierarchical constraint system:## Approach:I'll start by ensuring all primary constraints are fully satisfied, then incorporate secondary constraints, and finally add tertiary elements where possible without compromising the higher constraints.## Content Framework:[Outline the basic structure that will satisfy primary structural constraints]## Initial Draft:[Generate content adhering strictly to primary constraints while incorporating as many secondary constraints as possible]</step><step># Constraint Compliance VerificationLet me verify that my response meets all constraints:## Primary Constraint Verification:1. Factual accuracy check: [Verification]2. Structure compliance: [Verification]3. Length requirement: [Verification]4. Core question focus: [Verification]## Secondary Constraint Verification:1. Key terms inclusion: [Verification]2. Example diversity: [Verification]3. Language accessibility: [Verification]4. Analogy usage: [Verification]## Tertiary Constraint Implementation:1. Quantitative data inclusion: [Verification]2. Multiple perspectives: [Verification]3. Knowledge limitations: [Verification]4. Broader implications: [Verification]## Adjustments Needed:[Identify any constraints not yet fully satisfied]</step><step># Final Constrained OutputBased on the verification, here is the final output with all constraint levels satisfied:## Final Response:[Provide the completed response that satisfies all constraints according to their priority levels]## Constraint Satisfaction Summary:- Primary constraints: [Summary of how all primary constraints were met]- Secondary constraints: [Summary of how secondary constraints were implemented]- Tertiary constraints: [Summary of which tertiary constraints were incorporated]- Constraint conflicts encountered: [Any conflicts that arose and how they were resolved]</step>
In this advanced example:
Hierarchical Structure: Constraints are organized by priority level
Explicit Planning: The first step focuses on constraint definition and planning
Verification Step: A dedicated step checks compliance with each constraint
Conflict Resolution: A clear approach for handling constraint conflicts
Traceability: The final output includes a summary of how constraints were satisfied
Use constraint-based prompting to ensure technical accuracy and specification compliance:
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---provider: OpenAImodel: gpt-4otemperature: 0.2---# Technical Document Generation with Parameter ConstraintsGenerate a technical document that strictly conforms to the following parameter constraints:## Document Type:{{ document_type }}## Technical Domain:{{ technical_domain }}## Parameter Constraints:### Numerical Parameters:- Value ranges must stay within: {{ parameter_ranges }}- Precision: Use {{ precision_level }} significant figures- Units: Always use SI units with explicit notation- Statistical significance: Only include results with p < 0.05- Measurement uncertainty: Always specify with ± notation### Technical Vocabulary Constraints:- Terminology: Use only standard terms from {{ standard_reference }}- Abbreviations: Define all abbreviations at first use- Naming conventions: Follow {{ naming_convention }} for all variables- Technical level: Appropriate for {{ audience_expertise_level }}### Format Constraints:- Section hierarchy: Must include [Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion]- Data presentation: All quantitative data must be in tables or graphs- Equations: Must be numbered and referenced in text- Citations: Follow {{ citation_style }} format### Domain-Specific Constraints:{{ domain_specific_constraints }}## Output Requirements:Generate a complete technical document that satisfies all parameter constraints above. For any parameter that cannot be satisfied due to insufficient information, explicitly state the assumption made.
Create a system that applies multiple constraint types and validates compliance:
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---provider: OpenAImodel: gpt-4otemperature: 0.6type: agentagents: - agents/content_creator - agents/constraint_validator - agents/refinement_agent---# Multi-Constraint Content System## Task:{{ task_description }}## Constraint Categories:1. **Content constraints**: What information must be included or excluded2. **Format constraints**: Structural and presentational requirements3. **Style constraints**: Tone, voice, and language requirements4. **Logic constraints**: Reasoning and argument requirements5. **Source constraints**: Requirements for evidence and citationsEach agent has a specialized role in ensuring constraint compliance while producing high-quality content.## Process:1. **Content Creator**: Develops initial content adhering to all constraints2. **Constraint Validator**: Checks compliance across all constraint categories3. **Refinement Agent**: Makes necessary adjustments to ensure full complianceCoordinate to produce a final output that fully satisfies all constraints while maintaining quality and coherence.
Create constraint systems that adapt based on initial outputs:
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---provider: OpenAImodel: gpt-4otemperature: 0.7---<step># Initial Constraint SetFor this task on {{ topic }}, I'll start with a baseline set of constraints:## Initial Constraints:1. Content must address {{ specific_aspect }} of the topic2. Response should be approximately 400-600 words3. Tone should be informative and neutral4. Include at least 2 examples to illustrate key points5. Structure should include introduction, main points, and conclusion## Initial Output:[Generate content following these initial constraints]</step><step as="constraint_assessment" schema={{{ type: "object", properties: { additional_constraints: { type: "array", items: { type: "string" } }, relaxed_constraints: { type: "array", items: { type: "string" } }, constraint_conflicts: { type: "boolean" } }, required: ["additional_constraints", "relaxed_constraints", "constraint_conflicts"]}}}># Constraint AssessmentBased on the initial output, let me assess the constraint system:## Output Evaluation:- Does the output meet all constraints effectively?- Are there areas where quality could be improved with additional constraints?- Are there constraints that proved too restrictive?- Do any constraints conflict with producing the best possible output?## Constraint System Adjustment:Based on this analysis, I recommend:1. Additional constraints needed: [Identify 0-3 new constraints that would improve output]2. Constraints to relax: [Identify 0-2 constraints that should be relaxed]3. Constraint conflicts: [Identify whether any constraints are in conflict]</step><step># Refined Constraint SystemBased on the assessment, here is the refined constraint system:## Added Constraints:{{ for constraint in constraint_assessment.additional_constraints }}- {{ constraint }}{{ endfor }}## Relaxed Constraints:{{ for constraint in constraint_assessment.relaxed_constraints }}- {{ constraint }}{{ endfor }}{{ if constraint_assessment.constraint_conflicts }}## Resolved Conflicts:[Explain how the constraint conflicts were resolved]{{ endif }}## Final Constraint Set:[List the complete set of refined constraints]## Output Under Refined Constraints:[Generate new content following the refined constraint system]</step>
This example uses structured outputs to capture the constraint assessment results and dynamically update the constraint system.
Use constraints to enhance creativity rather than limit it:
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---provider: OpenAImodel: gpt-4otemperature: 0.8---# Creativity Through Constraints## Creative Challenge:{{ creative_challenge }}## Constraint-Based Approach:Instead of unlimited freedom, we'll use specific constraints as creativity catalysts.## Constraint Set:1. **Medium constraint**: Must use {{ specific_medium }}2. **Structural constraint**: Must follow {{ structural_pattern }}3. **Element constraint**: Must incorporate these elements: {{ required_elements }}4. **Technique constraint**: Must utilize {{ specific_technique }}5. **Perspective constraint**: Must be experienced from {{ specific_perspective }}## Creative Process:1. **Constraint Analysis**: How can each constraint spark innovative thinking? - Medium constraint enables... - Structural constraint creates opportunity for... - Element constraints suggest connections between... - Technique constraint pushes boundaries by... - Perspective constraint shifts thinking through...2. **Constraint Interaction**: How do these constraints interact to create unique possibilities? - Constraint combinations that create interesting tensions... - Constraints that amplify each other's creative potential... - Unexpected possibilities emerging from constraint intersections...3. **Constraint-Driven Solution**: [Generate a creative solution that embraces all constraints as creative opportunities rather than limitations]## Reflection on Constraint Benefits:[Analyze how the constraints led to more creative outcomes than an unconstrained approach would have produced]
Constraint-based prompting works well combined with other prompting techniques:
Chain-of-Thought + Constraints: Guide reasoning steps with specific constraints at each stage
Few-Shot Learning + Constraints: Provide examples that demonstrate constraint compliance
Iterative Refinement + Constraints: Progressively adjust constraints between iterations
Self-Consistency + Constraints: Generate multiple outputs under the same constraints and find the best
Template-Based Prompting + Constraints: Build templates with embedded constraint systems
The key is to use constraints strategically to channel the AI’s capabilities toward your specific requirements while allowing appropriate flexibility where beneficial.