Prompt Pattern Library¶
A canonical taxonomy and atomic pattern library for structured prompt engineering: prompts that are reliable across platforms, modular, versatile, and documented well enough to know where they work and where they may produce errors.
What it is¶
The Prompt Pattern Library is a classification system for prompt patterns: a three-level hierarchy of domains, categories, and subcategories that covers the full space of atomic prompt transformation primitives. Each pattern is documented with intent, constraints, compatibility rules, failure modes, and evaluation criteria in a consistent YAML and Markdown schema designed for long-term versioning and cross-referential use.
Taxonomy structure¶
The library defines 18 primary domains covering instruction and control, context provision, reasoning and deliberation, output structuring, evaluation, verification, safety and ethics, failure modes, and meta-system control, among others.
The three-level structure -- Domain, Category, Subcategory -- was reviewed independently by four external models and assessed as structurally sound, comprehensive, and suitable as a canonical reference.
Taxonomy v1.0 is locked. Stable, canonical, and cleared for Phase 2.
Pattern schema¶
Each atomic pattern is documented in a consistent schema covering summary, intent, use conditions, constraints, compatibility, anti-patterns, canonical examples, and governance notes. The schema supports focused authoring, predictable navigation, Git-based review, and static publishing.
Status¶
Phase 1 (Taxonomy and Schema) is complete and locked. Phase 2 (Atomic Pattern Definition) is the active next phase, currently paused while IO-III Phase 4 is active.