Zero-Shot / Few-Shot
Whether you give an AI zero examples (zero-shot) or a few examples (few-shot) of what you want before asking it to do the task.
01 Definition
Zero-shot means asking an AI to do a task with no examples, relying purely on its training. Few-shot means showing it 2-3 examples of the input/output pattern you want first, which usually improves accuracy and consistency for specific formats.
02 Why It Matters
If an AI keeps getting your desired format wrong, showing it 2-3 examples (few-shot) instead of just describing what you want (zero-shot) is often the fastest fix.
03 Example
Zero-shot: 'Summarize this article.' Few-shot: 'Here are 2 examples of the summary style I want: [examples]. Now summarize this article the same way.'