Prompt Engineering Step 5: Zero-Shot vs. Few-Shot Prompting (Cursor)

Understand two fundamental prompting techniques to better control Cursor's output: Zero-Shot (no examples) and Few-Shot (with examples).

Zero-Shot Prompting

This is the most common approach: you give Cursor a direct instruction or question without providing any examples of the desired output within the prompt itself.

  • When to Use: Good for straightforward, common tasks where the AI likely already understands the pattern (e.g., generating standard functions, explaining concepts, simple refactoring).
  • Mechanism: Relies entirely on the AI's pre-trained knowledge and the context you provide (selected code, @ symbols).

Example (Chat Cmd+L): 

Write a Python function that takes a list of numbers and returns the sum.

Example (Inline Cmd+K over selected code): 

Convert this code to use arrow functions.

Few-Shot Prompting

In this technique, you include one or more examples (input/output pairs) directly within your prompt before stating your final request. This helps the AI understand the desired format, style, or pattern.

  • When to Use: Useful for tasks requiring specific output formats (e.g., JSON, specific comment style), complex pattern matching/transformation, or when zero-shot prompts yield incorrect styles or logic.
  • Mechanism: Provide examples within the Chat (Cmd+L) or Inline (Cmd+K) prompt. Clearly delineate the examples from your final request.

Example (Chat Cmd+L - Formatting): 

Transform the following comments into JSDoc format.

// Input: Function to add two numbers
// Output:
/**
 * Adds two numbers.
 * @param {number} a - The first number.
 * @param {number} b - The second number.
 * @returns {number} The sum of a and b.
 */

// Input: Calculates the area
// Output:
/**
 * Calculates the area.
 */

// Input: Takes user ID, returns user object
// Output:

(Cursor should then generate the JSDoc for the last input based on the pattern).

Key Takeaway

Start with zero-shot prompts for most tasks. If the results aren't specific enough in terms of format or style, use few-shot prompting by providing 1-3 clear examples directly in your prompt to guide Cursor.

Finish Prompting Section (Back to Paths)