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Using Parameters in Prompts

Parameters are what make Cognipeer prompts truly powerful and flexible. This guide explains how to effectively use parameters in your prompts, including the different parameter types, formatting options, and advanced techniques.

Understanding Parameters​

Parameters are dynamic placeholders in your prompts that get replaced with specific values when the prompt is used. They follow this syntax:

{{parameter_name:type}}

Where:

  • parameter_name is a descriptive identifier for the parameter
  • type specifies the kind of input expected (text, number, checkbox, date)

When a user selects a prompt with parameters, Cognipeer automatically generates a form with fields for each parameter. After filling in the form, the parameter placeholders in the prompt are replaced with the user's input values.

Parameter Types​

Cognipeer supports several parameter types, each designed for specific kinds of input:

Text Parameters​

Syntax: {{parameter_name:text}}

Description: Accepts any text input, from single words to multiple paragraphs.

Use Cases:

  • Names (products, people, companies)
  • Descriptions
  • Topics
  • Instructions

Example:

Write a blog post about {{topic:text}} with a focus on {{audience:text}}.

Number Parameters​

Syntax: {{parameter_name:number}}

Description: Accepts numeric values, including integers and decimals.

Use Cases:

  • Quantities
  • Percentages
  • Monetary values
  • Ratings

Example:

Generate a pricing strategy for a product with a manufacturing cost of ${{cost:number}} and a target profit margin of {{margin:number}}%.

Checkbox Parameters​

Syntax: {{parameter_name:checkbox}}

Description: A boolean toggle that can be turned on or off.

Use Cases:

  • Including/excluding optional content
  • Enabling/disabling specific features
  • Yes/no decisions

Example:

Analyze the market trends for {{industry:text}}.

{{include_competitors:checkbox}} Include analysis of top competitors.
{{include_forecast:checkbox}} Include 12-month forecast.

Date Parameters​

Syntax: {{parameter_name:date}}

Description: Provides a date picker for selecting specific dates.

Use Cases:

  • Time periods
  • Deadlines
  • Event dates
  • Historical analysis

Example:

Provide a performance report for our marketing campaigns from {{start_date:date}} to {{end_date:date}}.

Parameter Naming Best Practices​

Effective parameter names improve usability and clarity:

Be Descriptive​

Use names that clearly indicate what the parameter represents:

  • Good: {{product_name:text}}, {{target_audience:text}}
  • Avoid: {{param1:text}}, {{input:text}}

Use Consistent Conventions​

Establish naming patterns across your prompts:

  • Use snake_case (e.g., {{product_name:text}}) or camelCase (e.g., {{productName:text}})
  • Be consistent with pluralization (e.g., {{num_days:number}} vs. {{num_day:number}})
  • Use prefixes for related parameters (e.g., {{customer_name:text}}, {{customer_id:text}})

Indicate Expected Format​

When specific formats are required, include hints in the name:

  • {{email_address:text}}
  • {{phone_number:text}}
  • {{percentage_growth:number}}

Advanced Parameter Techniques​

Default Values​

While Cognipeer's parameter system doesn't directly support default values in the syntax, you can suggest defaults in your prompt text:

Write a social media post about {{topic:text}}.

Length: {{post_length:text}} (suggested: short, medium, or long)
Tone: {{tone:text}} (suggested: casual, professional, or enthusiastic)

Parameter Instructions​

Include instructions about expected parameter values directly in your prompt:

Analyze sales data for {{product_line:text}} (enter the exact product line name as it appears in our catalog).

Compare performance across {{num_quarters:number}} quarters (enter a value between 1 and 8).

Conditional Content​

Use checkbox parameters to include or exclude sections of your prompt:

Create a marketing email for our {{product_name:text}} product.

{{include_pricing:checkbox}} Include current pricing and any active promotions.

{{include_testimonials:checkbox}} Include customer testimonials and success stories.

{{include_cta:checkbox}} Include a strong call-to-action with urgency elements.

Nested Parameters​

While not directly supported in the syntax, you can create the effect of nested parameters through careful prompt design:

Generate a report on {{main_topic:text}}.

{{include_subtopics:checkbox}} Include the following subtopics:
- {{subtopic_1:text}}
- {{subtopic_2:text}}
- {{subtopic_3:text}}

Parameter Usage Scenarios​

Content Generation​

Write a {{content_type:text}} about {{topic:text}} for {{audience:text}}.

The tone should be {{tone:text}} and the length approximately {{length:text}}.

{{include_cta:checkbox}} Include a call-to-action at the end.
{{include_statistics:checkbox}} Include relevant statistics and data points.
{{include_examples:checkbox}} Include practical examples or case studies.

Data Analysis​

Analyze the {{data_type:text}} data for {{time_period:text}}.

Focus on the following metrics:
- {{metric_1:text}}
- {{metric_2:text}}
- {{metric_3:text}}

{{include_visualization:checkbox}} Suggest appropriate data visualizations.
{{include_recommendations:checkbox}} Provide actionable recommendations based on the analysis.

Customer Support​

Create a response to a customer inquiry about {{issue_type:text}}.

Customer name: {{customer_name:text}}
Product purchased: {{product:text}}
Purchase date: {{purchase_date:date}}

{{is_urgent:checkbox}} This is an urgent issue requiring immediate attention.
{{has_previous_complaints:checkbox}} Customer has submitted previous complaints.

Research Queries​

Conduct research on {{research_topic:text}} with a focus on developments between {{start_date:date}} and {{end_date:date}}.

Include information about:
{{include_key_players:checkbox}} Key players and organizations in this field
{{include_innovations:checkbox}} Major innovations and breakthroughs
{{include_market_impact:checkbox}} Market impact and commercial applications
{{include_future_trends:checkbox}} Predicted future trends

Testing and Refining Parameters​

Preview Before Saving​

Always use the preview function when creating parameterized prompts:

  1. Click Preview in the prompt editor
  2. Test the parameter form to ensure it works as expected
  3. Check how different parameter values affect the prompt

Iterative Refinement​

Improve your parameters based on usage:

  1. Start with a basic version of your parameterized prompt
  2. Use it in real scenarios
  3. Note any confusion or limitations
  4. Refine parameter names, types, or instructions
  5. Test the updated version

User Feedback​

Collect feedback on parameter usability:

  1. Ask colleagues to test your prompts
  2. Note any confusion about parameter names or expected values
  3. Identify parameters that could be split or combined
  4. Look for opportunities to add new parameters for greater flexibility

By effectively using parameters in your prompts, you can create flexible templates that adapt to different scenarios while maintaining consistency in structure and quality. Parameters transform static prompts into dynamic tools that can be customized for each use case, enhancing the value and versatility of your prompt library.