Claude Accord

A prompt is what you say to Claude. That is it.

When you open a conversation and type something in the box, that is a prompt. It can be a question, a request, a description of what you need. One word or three pages.

The problem is that most people write prompts the way they send text messages. "Make me a CV." "Write an email." "What is inflation?" And Claude responds. But the response is generic. Because Claude knows nothing about you, your situation, or what you actually need.

It is like walking into a restaurant and saying "give me food." You will get something. But say "I want something warm, gluten-free, not too spicy. I have 30 minutes." Now you get exactly what you need.

Your prompt is your ingredient. What you put in determines what comes back. You do not need to be an expert to write a good prompt. You need to tell Claude three things. Who you are. What you want. Why you want it.

"I am a second-year law student. I have an exam next week on constitutional law. Help me understand the difference between judicial precedent and legislation. Explain it for someone learning this for the first time."

That is a good prompt. Not because it is long. Because it gives Claude everything needed to help you specifically. Not someone generic.

A bad prompt is not a sin. It is a missed opportunity. And the good news: you learn fast.