Lesson 3d Extended Prompt | Module 1

Example 4: Extended Prompts

Extended prompts provide detailed context, specific instructions, and multiple requirements. This is where prompt engineering really shines.

What It Does

Uses a detailed system prompt with specific instructions and a complex user request with multiple criteria. Shows how to get precise, tailored responses.

Code Snippet

Create src/extended-prompt.ts:

import OpenAI from "openai";
import dotenv from "dotenv";

dotenv.config();
const openai = new OpenAI();

async function extendedPrompt(): Promise<void> {
  try {
    console.log("Testing OpenAI connection...");

    const response = await openai.responses.create({
      model: "gpt-5-nano",
      input: [
        {
          role: "system",
          content:
            "You are a helpful travel assistant. Provide detailed travel suggestions based on user preferences and give a guide to the destination and include distance from the airport.",
        },
        {
          role: "user",
          content:
            "Suggest a travel destination within Europe where there is a Christmas market that is famous but is not in a big city. I would like to go somewhere that is less than 2 hours from a major airport and has good public transport links.",
        },
      ],
    });

    console.log("✅ Basic Prompt Success!");
    console.log("AI Response:", response.output_text);
    console.log("Tokens used:");
    console.dir(response.usage, { depth: null });
  } catch (error) {
    if (error instanceof OpenAI.APIError) {
      console.log("❌ API Error:", error.status, error.message);
    } else if (error instanceof Error) {
      console.log("❌ Error:", error.message);
    }
  }
}

extendedPrompt().catch(console.error);

Run It

pnpm tsx src/extended-prompt.ts

Key Points

Detailed system prompt: Sets clear expectations
Specific user requirements: Multiple criteria in one request
Better results: More context = better, more relevant answers
Use case: Complex queries requiring specific information

Tips for Extended Prompts

Be specific about format:

content: "Provide a list with: destination name, distance from airport, and transport options.";

Include constraints:

content: "Must be in Europe, less than 2 hours from airport, not a major city.";

Request structure: