AI Glossary Term
What does “Prompt Template” mean?
Definition
A reusable prompt pattern with variables, formatting rules, and task-specific instructions.
How Prompt Template works
Example
A support tool uses a template with slots for the customer's name and issue. Each ticket fills in those slots, so every request has the same structure and instructions.
Why it matters
Templates make prompts consistent, testable, and easy to update. They also keep untrusted input inside a defined slot.
Common questions
Where are templates stored?
In code, config files, or prompt-management tools.
Why test them?
A small wording change can alter behavior, so versions are checked against sample cases.
Do templates prevent injection?
No. User-supplied text in a slot can still contain malicious instructions.