It’s no secret—generative AI is pretty cool. Whether you’ve used OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, Microsoft’s Copilot, being able to ask for homework help, generate code, or simply compile business ideas with the click of a button provides endless opportunities for innovation and learning.
At the same time, the rise in popularity of generative AI has also created debate about the potential need for ethical, security, and privacy guardrails—especially when it comes to education.
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These considerations are also important due to the technology’s ability to completely reshape the global economy. In fact, JP Morgan estimates generative AI could increase the world’s GDP by $7–$10 trillion.
But no matter what generative AI tool you use, the tech relies heavily on one discipline to work: prompt engineering. Without it, there would be a big disconnection between a generative AI’s input and output.
What is prompt engineering?
Who better to answer the question about what is prompt engineering than generative AI itself. Here is the beginning to each of their responses:
ChatGPT: “Prompt engineering refers to the process of carefully crafting or designing the input queries or prompts given to a language model, typically a natural language processing (NLP) model, to achieve desired outputs. In the context of models like GPT-3, prompt engineering involves formulating instructions or questions in a way that elicits accurate and relevant information or responses.”
Copilot: “Prompt engineering is the art of asking the right questions to get the best output from a Language Model (LLM) using plain language prompts. It enables direct interaction with the LLM, allowing you to communicate with it using only natural language instructions.”
Gemini: “Prompt engineering is the art of crafting instructions for large language models (LLMs) to get them to perform specific tasks or generate desired outputs. It’s essentially like giving a detailed recipe to a chef, but instead of ingredients and cooking instructions, you’re providing the LLM with text and information to guide its response.”
Their responses are strikingly similar—and accurate. Prompt engineering is focused on creating effective inputs for generative AI tools that will yield the best outputs.
Why is studying prompt engineering important?
While the AI’s responses were by and large accurate for helping discern what prompting engineering is—the tools are not perfect. In fact, on ChatGPT and Gemini in particular, there is a warning under the prompt box that the AI can make mistakes.
With this in mind, learning about prompt engineering is important for those wanting to get the most out of generative AI tools, says Kunal Ahuja, who leads consumer business at Skillsoft’s Codecademy.
“Understanding how to craft simple and advanced prompts for real-world applications is a critical skill to learn. As is understanding the ethical implications of prompt writing,” Ahuja tells Fortune.
Codecademy, one of the largest platforms for learning code and other areas of tech, recently launched new career-based prompt engineering courses, such as for software engineers or marketers. The free, one-hour courses teach learners the best practices that will produce desired outputs when engaging with generative AI.
“From developers to non-technical executives, everyone can benefit from taking prompt engineering courses,” Ahuja says. “It’s not hyperbolic to say that GenAI is ushering in a new way of working, and it’s critical for all learners to adapt their skill sets. When used correctly, GenAI can be a significant work enabler.”
There are many other ways to learn about prompt engineering online—each of which vary in terms of cost, length, and objectives. Above all, when picking a program, don’t lose sight of your own learning goals; focus your time on opportunities that will provide you skills and projects that actually can be put to good use in the future—whether that’s in your daily work, a job interview, or future education endeavor.
Fortune has done some of the initial research for you and provided some of the prompt engineer courses out there on the market.
6 prompt engineering courses you can take online
Arizona State University Career Catalyst: AI Foundations: Prompt Engineering
ASU’s prompt engineering course is taught by Andrew Maynard, a professor in the university’s school for the future of innovation in society. Its goal is to equip students of all backgrounds with the necessary skills to effectively harness the power of ChatGPT and large language models.
Cost: $49/month
Length: 2 hours
Codecademy: Prompt engineering courses
Codecademy offers career-specific prompt engineering learning opportunities for those interacting with the world of software engineering, marketing, and/or data analytics. Through lessons, articles, projects, and quizzes, the courses seek to help individuals effectively write generative AI prompts that yield the best results in each field.
Cost: Free (certificate with paid plan)
Length: 1 hour
Google Cloud: Introduction to Generative AI Learning Path
Google Cloud’s free introductory training on generative AI seeks to guide users through the fundamentals of the technology—from large language models to responsible AI principles. It also focuses on how individuals can use generative AI with Google tools. The course format includes videos, documents, and quizzes.
Cost: Free
Length: 5 hours
IBM Skills Network: Prompt Engineering for Everyone
The prompt engineering course offered by IBM Skills Network aims to make users compelling AI communicators by teaching the best ways to craft prompts. The program has 5 modules and touches on various prompt engineering patterns and approaches.
Cost: Free
Length: 5 hours
OpenAI/DeepLearning.AI: ChatGPT Prompt Engineering for Developers
Andrew Ng, founder of DeepLearn.AI and Coursera co-founder, joins forces with OpenAI’s Isa Fulford to teach the basics of using a large language model to build applications. The instructors explain the best ways to use prompt engineering as well as discuss how LLM APIs can be used for summarizing, inferring, transforming, and expanding. They also explain how to build a custom chatbot.
Cost: Free
Length: 1 hour
Vanderbilt University: Prompt Engineering Specialization
Hosted through Coursera, Vanderbilt’s prompt engineering lessons are taught by computer science Professor Jules White. They walk students through how to best take advantage of ChatGPT and other generative AI tools—touching on topics like prompt patterns, automation, and problem formulation. The specialization includes three courses: Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT; ChatGPT Advanced Data Analysis; Trustworthy Generative AI
Cost: $49/month
Length: 1 month (10 hours/week)
