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Prompting AI: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Authors
  • avatar
    Name
    Godbless Nyagawa (Njox)
    Twitter
    @njox16
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Introduction

In this article, I’ll walk you through how to write clear, effective prompts when working with AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and others. Whether you're just getting started or already experimenting, this guide will help you get smarter, more useful responses.

Tools

There are plenty of AI tools out there for playing around with prompts. Here are a few solid options worth trying:

Each tool has its own vibe and strengths, so test a few out and see which one fits your workflow best.

Prompting Guide

One of the easiest ways to craft a good prompt is to simply know what you’re trying to get out of it. Think about your goal — what exactly do you want the AI to help you with?

Let’s say you want the AI to teach you something, like assembly programming or reverse engineering. Instead of jumping straight in, ask the AI to help you create the right prompt first. For example, you might say:

“I want you to help me write a solid prompt so that AI can teach me reverse engineering from start to finish. Before you give me the final prompt, ask me a few questions to better understand what I need.”

Here’s what that could look like in prompt form:

I want you to act as a skilled cybersecurity and reverse engineering mentor. Teach me reverse engineering from the ground up, assuming I'm a beginner but I know basic programming and computer science concepts.

Give me a structured, step-by-step learning plan, including tools I need, beginner-friendly resources, and practical exercises or challenges.

Also include what to focus on at each stage (e.g., binary analysis, disassembling, malware analysis, etc.), and how to gradually build real-world skills. Make it hands-on and progressive. If you have any questions, ask me before giving the final output.
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Prompt Template

Here’s a reusable prompt template you can tweak for any learning topic or expert domain:

I want you to act as a skilled [insert domain/expert role, e.g., cybersecurity and reverse engineering] mentor. Teach me [insert topic, e.g., reverse engineering] from the ground up, assuming I'm a beginner but I have a basic understanding of [insert related basics, e.g., programming and computer science concepts].

Give me a structured, step-by-step learning plan that is hands-on and progressive. Include:

    - Essential tools and how to use them
    - Beginner-friendly resources (books, websites, videos, etc.)
    - Practical exercises or challenges to practice what I learn
    - Key focus areas at each stage (e.g., [insert relevant focus points, e.g., binary analysis, disassembling, malware analysis])
    - How to gradually build real-world skills and confidence

Before you give the learning plan, ask me any clarifying questions that help tailor the plan specifically to my background and goals.

Conclusion

Prompting isn’t some secret hack — it’s a skill you can level up. The more clearly and intentionally you ask, the better your results. Whether you're working on a side project, learning something new, or just having fun, knowing how to prompt well saves time and makes AI way more powerful.

Stay Connected & Keep Leveling Up

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