Skip to main content

​
Prompt Structure

This guide explains how to structure effective prompts for QA testing scenarios. A well-structured prompt helps AI models generate more accurate and useful responses.

​
Basic Prompt Components

​
1. Context

Provide clear context about:
  • The feature or functionality being tested
  • The testing environment
  • Any relevant dependencies
  • Current state or conditions

​
2. Requirements

List specific requirements including:
  • Functional requirements
  • Non-functional requirements
  • Business rules
  • Technical constraints

​
3. Expected Output Format

Specify the format you want the response in:
  • Test case structure
  • Bug report format
  • Test plan sections
  • Performance metrics

​
4. Additional Parameters

Include any specific parameters like:
  • Priority levels
  • Test types
  • Test categories
  • Performance thresholds

​
Example Structure

[Context]
Feature/Functionality: [Name]
Environment: [Details]
Dependencies: [List]

[Requirements]
1. [Requirement 1]
2. [Requirement 2]
...

[Expected Output]
Please provide:
- [Output format 1]
- [Output format 2]
...

[Additional Parameters]
Priority: [Level]
Test Type: [Type]
Categories: [List]

​
Best Practices

  1. Be Specific
    • Use clear, unambiguous language
    • Include exact values where applicable
    • Specify version numbers and dependencies
  2. Provide Context
    • Explain the purpose of the test
    • Include relevant background information
    • Mention any constraints or limitations
  3. Structure Clearly
    • Use consistent formatting
    • Break down complex requirements
    • Use bullet points for clarity
  4. Include Examples
    • Show sample inputs and outputs
    • Provide real-world scenarios
    • Include edge cases
  5. Specify Constraints
    • Time limitations
    • Resource constraints
    • Technical limitations

​
Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  1. Vague Language
    • ❌ “Test the login feature”
    • ✅ “Test the login feature with email validation, password requirements, and session management”
  2. Missing Context
    • ❌ “Generate test cases”
    • ✅ “Generate test cases for the payment processing system in a production environment”
  3. Incomplete Requirements
    • ❌ “Test the API”
    • ✅ “Test the REST API endpoints for user management with authentication and rate limiting”
  4. Unclear Output Format
    • ❌ “Write a bug report”
    • ✅ “Write a bug report following the standard template with severity, priority, and reproduction steps”

​
Tips for Better Results

  1. Start with a Template
    • Use predefined templates for consistency
    • Customize based on specific needs
    • Maintain version control of templates
  2. Review and Refine
    • Test prompts with different AI models
    • Gather feedback from team members
    • Update based on results
  3. Document Success
    • Keep track of effective prompts
    • Share successful examples
    • Build a prompt library
  4. Iterate and Improve
    • Start with basic prompts
    • Add complexity gradually
    • Refine based on results
⌘I