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Prompt

A prompt is a cue or stimulus that encourages a response or action. The term has various meanings in different fields: In computing, it often refers to a message displayed to solicit input from a user, such as in command-line interfaces, or instructions given to artificial intelligence models to generate outputs. In the performing arts, a prompt involves assistance provided to performers, such as by a theatrical prompter or in a . In science and engineering, prompts appear in contexts like astronomical observations or chemical processes. Other uses include applications in and or .

In computing

Command-line prompts

In computing, a command-line prompt serves as a textual indicator within a (CLI) that notifies the user the system is ready to accept input commands. It typically appears as a short string, such as "C:>" in Windows environments, followed by a blinking cursor where users type commands. This visual cue distinguishes the prompt from command output, facilitating interactive sessions on text-based terminals. The concept of command-line prompts traces its origins to early time-sharing operating systems in the 1960s. The Compatible Time-Sharing System (CTSS), introduced in 1961, featured one of the first CLIs with a command interpreter, laying groundwork for prompt-like indicators in interactive computing. Multics, developed starting in 1965 as a collaborative project by MIT, Bell Labs, and General Electric, advanced this with a shell that included command history and completion features, using prompts to signal user input readiness in its multi-user environment. In the 1970s, Unix emerged with the Bourne shell (introduced in 1977 with Version 7 Unix), which standardized the "$" prompt for regular users and "#" for root, marking a shift toward portable, customizable interfaces. The 1970s also saw the rise of personal computing operating systems with dedicated prompts. (Control Program for Microcomputers), created by in 1974, introduced the "A>" prompt to indicate the active drive (e.g., A) and readiness for commands, becoming a standard for 8-bit microcomputers. This design directly influenced , released in 1981 by , which adopted a similar format like "A:>" before evolving to "C:>" with the dominance of hard drives in PC compatibles. Modern shells continue this evolution: (Bourne Again SHell), released in 1989, builds on the with enhanced prompt customization, while , introduced by in 2006, uses "PS C:>" to denote its object-oriented scripting focus. Key components of command-line prompts include configurable strings and formatting options. In systems, the primary prompt is defined by the , defaulting to a simple " " or "username@[hostname](/page/Hostname):~ ", which can incorporate elements like the current directory (\w), username (\u), or (\h). Customization allows escape sequences for dynamic content and ANSI color codes, such as \e[31m for red text, enabling visually distinct prompts without disrupting terminal cursor positioning. For example, a customized might be set as: 
PS1='$$\e[32m$$\u@\h:\w\$$$\e[0m$$ '
This displays the username, , , and a in green, resetting to default afterward. In Windows Command Prompt (), the PROMPT controls the string, supporting similar tokens like P for the current [path](/page/Path) and G for the > symbol, as in the default "PG". Examples illustrate prompts' roles across systems and modes. The classic prompt "C:>" signals an interactive session where users enter commands like "" to list files; in batch scripting (non-interactive), no prompt appears as commands execute sequentially. Unix shells like show the PS1 prompt only in interactive mode—for instance, "user@host:~$ ls" lists directory contents—while scripts run silently without it, using variables like PS1 for conditional display. PowerShell's "PS C:\Users\user> Get-ChildItem" combines the prompt with cmdlet syntax, supporting history via Get-History for recalling prior inputs in interactive use. These elements ensure prompts remain essential for user navigation in terminal-based computing, from legacy systems to contemporary .

AI prompts

In artificial intelligence, particularly in and generative models, a prompt refers to a textual input provided to an AI system to guide its output generation (see the article introduction for detailed , techniques, and applications). For instance, the prompt "Write a poem about autumn" instructs a (LLM) like those in the GPT series to produce creative content aligned with the specified theme. Prompt engineering emerged as a distinct around 2022, following the public release of , which highlighted the need for crafting precise inputs to optimize performance; by 2024, dedicated job roles had proliferated, with some senior positions offering salaries up to $335,000 annually as reported in early 2023. By 2025, however, dedicated prompt engineering roles have become less common, merging into broader development positions as LLMs like GPT-5 require less manual tuning for effective outputs. Prompts are categorized into instructional types, which issue direct commands like "Summarize this article"; conversational types, fostering dialogue in interfaces; and multimodal types, combining text with images or other data, as seen in models like OpenAI's DALL-E 3 (2023) for generating visuals from descriptive text prompts and Stability AI's Stable Diffusion 3 (2024) for refined image synthesis via detailed textual cues. Challenges in AI prompting include vulnerabilities to prompt injection attacks, where malicious inputs override intended instructions, potentially exposing sensitive data or enabling unauthorized actions, as evidenced by studies analyzing over 300,000 such exploits in 2025. Prompts can also amplify biases present in training data, leading to skewed outputs in areas like or . As of 2025, recent developments include xAI's integration of advanced prompting in Grok-2, an open-source model emphasizing real-time and uncensored responses, and Meta's Llama 3, which supports prompt-based fine-tuning for customized applications. OpenAI has issued ethical guidelines recommending safeguards against misuse, such as bias mitigation in prompt design and transparency in model interactions, as outlined in their 2025 system cards.

Other technical prompts

In operating systems, system prompts facilitate user interaction during critical processes such as and . During the sequence, firmware like or often displays textual cues, such as "Press any key to continue," to allow users to automated startup, select boot devices, or enter configuration menus. Similarly, login prompts request credentials to verify user identity before granting access to the system; for instance, Windows displays a message box or console prompt for username and password entry, configurable via policies like interactive logon messages. Error prompts, another common type, alert users to issues and solicit input, such as confirming actions during recovery modes. At the application level, graphical user interfaces (GUIs) employ textual prompts within dialog boxes to guide user decisions, emphasizing non-visual textual elements for clarity. A representative example is the confirmation dialog in word processors like , which presents "Save changes before closing?" to prevent when exiting with unsaved modifications. These prompts are deterministic, requiring simple affirmative or negative responses, and differ from command-line inputs by integrating into visual workflows while relying on text for the core interaction. In programming contexts, prompts solicit runtime input from users to make scripts dynamic. For example, Python's built-in input() function displays a specified as a prompt—such as "Enter your name: "—and captures the response as a for further . This mechanism enables interactive programs without hardcoding values, commonly used in educational tools and simple utilities. Windows batch files provide a specific instance of scripted prompts for user control during execution. The PAUSE command halts the script and outputs "Press any key to continue . . .", allowing users to review output or intervene before proceeding, which is essential for or step-by-step automation. Relatedly, the PROMPT command customizes the appearance of the itself, such as setting it to display the current path and time (e.g., PROMPT $P$G), though it does not pause execution. Historically, interactive prompts in technical interfaces trace back to early GUI innovations, such as the system developed in at PARC, which introduced mouse-driven interactions with on-screen elements that influenced modern dialog-based prompts in operating systems and applications. Unlike generative AI interactions, these technical prompts focus on functional, rule-based responses to ensure reliable software operation and user guidance.

In the performing arts

Theatrical prompter

A theatrical prompter is offstage personnel responsible for cueing actors with forgotten lines, movements, or blocking during live performances to avert disruptions and ensure smooth . This role, often performed from a concealed position, demands acute attention to the script and stage action, allowing performers to maintain immersion without visible interruption. The origins of the prompter trace to the in Elizabethan theater, where the "book-holder"—an early form of prompter—managed cues from a designated prompt corner, typically stage left, to assist with limited rehearsal time. By the , the role professionalized in opera houses, where prompters became integral to complex productions, signaling entrances, rhythms, and text amid short periods. Traditional techniques involved whispering lines or using subtle gestures from the prompt corner, as seen in reconstructions of Theatre, where the prompter's position facilitated discreet intervention near the tiring-house. In modern practice, particularly post-2000, prompters employ amplified systems like hidden microphones or wireless earpieces to deliver cues inaudibly to audiences while supporting experimental staging. A notable example is the prompter's vital role in Wagner operas, such as at , where they cue singers through demanding scores like , enabling rhythmic precision and recovery from lapses; renowned prompters there have included specialists trained in Wagner's leitmotifs. On Broadway, prompters appear sparingly in musical revivals or opera-infused shows but underscore the tradition's adaptability. The prompter's prominence has declined in contemporary professional theater due to enhanced rehearsals and memorization techniques, reducing reliance on live cues in straight plays. However, the role persists in amateur productions, classical , and innovative European ensembles as of 2023, preserving a safety net for live performance risks.

A is the master copy of a play script annotated for a specific production, incorporating the director's notes, blocking diagrams, movements, technical cues for and , and other instructions essential to the performance. It serves as the central reference document for the , often maintained by the stage manager or prompter to ensure consistency across rehearsals and performances. The historical development of the prompt book traces back to the Elizabethan era, where surviving examples from the late 16th and early 17th centuries, such as those documented in Walter W. Greg's analysis of playhouse manuscripts, reveal annotated scripts used to guide actors and stage crew in London's theaters. These early prompt books evolved from simple cue sheets and actor's parts into more comprehensive documents by the 17th century, as seen in Shakespearean editions edited by G. Blakemore Evans, which include cuts, additions, and staging notes for performances. The term "prompt book" became standardized in 18th-century London theaters, coinciding with the formal adoption of prompting practices to assist performers during live shows. In the modern era, prompt books have transitioned to digital formats using specialized software like Cue to Cue or DSMPrompt, which allow for interactive annotations, cue tracking, and collaboration during rehearsals in the 2020s. Typical contents of a prompt book include detailed line cues for , expanded stage directions beyond the original , notations for and effects, property lists, and contact information for the cast and crew. The prompter plays a key role in maintaining and updating the , integrating changes from rehearsals and ensuring it reflects the final production blueprint. These elements make it an indispensable tool for coordinating complex elements of a . Prompt books are primarily used during rehearsals to maintain consistency in blocking and timing, allowing the stage manager to call cues accurately and guide the ensemble. They also function as a legal record of the production, as per guidelines from organizations like Dramatists Play Service, which permit annotated copies for stage managers provided an is purchased, helping to document adherence to and performance rights under Dramatists Guild standards. A notable example is the extensive collection of prompt books at the , which houses over 1,800 volumes, approximately half for Shakespearean works, including 17th-century annotated copies that preserve original staging decisions, such as alterations to dialogue and scene transitions from early performances.

In science and engineering

Astronomy applications

The PROMPT (Panchromatic Robotic Optical Monitoring and Polarimetry Telescopes) system is a network of automated, robotic telescopes designed for rapid, multi-wavelength observations of transient astronomical events. Developed by astronomers at the at Chapel Hill, the project launched its initial prototypes in 2004, with the first array of six telescopes becoming operational at (CTIO) in by January 2006. By the , the Chilean site had expanded, and additional PROMPT arrays were deployed at sites in and elsewhere, integrating into the broader Robotic Telescope Network. PROMPT telescopes enable real-time monitoring of high-energy transients such as gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), supernovae, and variable stars, providing simultaneous imaging across optical wavelengths from to near-infrared through specialized filters and coatings on their . The system's robotic software, part of the platform, allows for automated slewing and observation initiation within seconds of receiving alerts from satellites like or ground-based detectors, facilitating prompt follow-up that captures fading afterglows before they dim beyond detection. This capability has supported multi-wavelength studies, including to probe magnetic fields in astrophysical jets. Technically, early PROMPT units feature 0.41-meter (16-inch) Ritchey-Chrétien telescopes mounted on high-speed platforms capable of slewing at up to 9 degrees per second, each housed in compact clamshell domes for all-weather operation. Later expansions include larger 0.6-meter instruments, such as PROMPT-8, enhancing sensitivity for fainter targets. The original PROMPT array consists of six 0.41-m telescopes at CTIO, integrated into the network of over 20 telescopes as of 2023. These systems have been linked with gravitational-wave observatories like /, contributing to multi-messenger astronomy by providing rapid optical counterparts to events such as the binary neutron star merger in 2017, where PROMPT detected the early emission. Key achievements include the prompt optical detection of in 2008, the brightest GRB ever observed, which peaked at naked-eye visibility (magnitude 5.3) and allowed unprecedented study of its across wavelengths, revealing insights into relativistic jet dynamics at a of z=0.937. More recently, as of 2025, PROMPT telescopes have aided research through high-precision photometry for transit confirmation and timing variation analyses, combining ground-based data with space missions like TESS. These contributions underscore PROMPT's role in bridging transient event detection with broader astrophysical investigations.

Chemistry contexts

In chemistry, particularly in the context of processes, the term "prompt" refers to a specific of nitrogen oxide () formation known as prompt NOx. This pathway involves the rapid reaction of radicals with atmospheric (N₂) in the early stages of a , leading to the production of (NO) through intermediate species. Unlike other NOx formation routes, prompt NOx proceeds via radical-induced rather than direct thermal of N₂. The mechanism of prompt NOx primarily initiates with the reaction of the (CH) with N₂, forming (HCN) and a nitrogen atom (N): \ce{CH + N2 -> HCN + N} Subsequent steps involve the nitrogen atom reacting with hydroxyl radicals (OH) to yield NO, such as \ce{N + OH -> NO + H}, while HCN oxidizes further to contribute additional NO through pathways like \ce{HCN + O -> NCO + H} followed by \ce{NCO + H -> NH + CO} and eventual NO formation. This process occurs predominantly in fuel-rich flames at high temperatures exceeding 1800 K, where radical concentrations are elevated, distinguishing it from NOx, which relies on the slower Zeldovich mechanism (\ce{O + N2 -> NO + N}) activated primarily above 2000 K. Prompt NOx formation is favored in the flame front due to its rapid kinetics, independent of oxygen availability in the initial step. The rate constant for the key CH + N₂ reaction follows an Arrhenius form, k = A \exp(-E_a / RT), with parameters such as A \approx 1.9 \times 10^{-10} cm³ ⁻¹ s⁻¹ and E_a \approx 38 kcal ⁻¹ at relevant temperatures, making it significantly faster than thermal routes under fuel-rich conditions (where thermal rates have higher activation energies, e.g., E_a \approx 75 kcal ⁻¹ for O + N₂). Prompt NOx was first identified in the 1970s through experimental studies on premixed hydrocarbon flames, with Charles P. Fenimore proposing the mechanism in his seminal 1971 paper (presented at the 13th International Symposium on Combustion in 1970), where he observed rapid NO formation in the primary reaction zone that could not be explained by thermal processes alone. This discovery highlighted the role of prompt pathways in hydrocarbon combustion, building on earlier observations of anomalous NO profiles in flames. In practical applications, prompt NOx is relevant to the design of systems, such as reducing emissions in jet turbine engines where fuel-rich zones promote this mechanism, and in atmospheric modeling to predict pollutant dispersion from industrial sources. It can contribute 10-50% of total in certain fuel-rich flames, depending on conditions like equivalence ratio and temperature. Mitigation strategies include technologies, which minimize radical concentrations and lower peak temperatures to suppress both prompt and thermal ; U.S. EPA regulations under the 2006 New Source Performance Standards mandate limits of 15-42 (corrected to 15% O₂) for new stationary turbines, depending on size. The November 2024 EPA proposal under Clean Air Act Section 111(b) aims to revise these standards for emissions from new gas turbines to levels achievable with (SCR), potentially as low as 2 for simple-cycle units, with final rulemaking expected by November 2025, encouraging advanced low-emission designs.

Other uses

Project management

PROMPT, an acronym for Project Resource Organisation Management and Planning Techniques, was a structured methodology developed in the 1970s specifically for managing (IT) projects. It provided a systematic approach to planning, organizing, and controlling resources to ensure project success, emphasizing the need for clear definitions of objectives, responsibilities, and progress monitoring. As one of the earliest formal frameworks tailored to IT initiatives, PROMPT predated the (PMBOK) by over a and addressed common issues like and overruns in computer system development. The methodology originated in 1975 when Simpact Systems Limited created it in response to government requirements for better IT project delivery. It was adopted by the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA) in 1979 as the standard for government information systems projects, marking its integration into practices. PROMPT evolved into PROMPT II to incorporate improvements such as critical path analysis and dedicated roles. By 1989, the CCTA licensed and adapted it into (Projects IN Controlled Environments), which became the government's official method. This lineage continued with PRINCE2's release in 1996, subsequent editions in 2009 and 2017, and the seventh edition in 2023, incorporating modern emphases on , people management, and agility while maintaining core PROMPT principles. Updates as recent as 2025 have refined certification and digital integration aspects. PROMPT divided projects into sequential stages to maintain control and ensure deliverables met quality standards: a feasibility study to assess viability and options; an initial stage for high-level planning; specification and design stages to define requirements and architecture; development to build the system; installation to deploy it; and operation for handover and maintenance. This staged approach emphasized controlled environments, with checkpoints at each transition to review progress, risks, and alignment with business needs, preventing uncontrolled changes. Key components included a defined structure with roles such as a project board for oversight, a for day-to-day execution, and specialists for technical assurance. It focused on tangible deliverables like specifications and prototypes, supported by quality reviews at stage ends to verify compliance. Resource planning techniques allocated budgets, personnel, and timelines, while control mechanisms like progress reports and ensured adaptability within a structured framework. PROMPT was extensively used in the UK public sector through the 1980s and early 1990s for IT procurements, influencing government efficiency until PRINCE superseded it. Its legacy persists in modern hybrid methodologies that blend structured stages with agile practices, providing foundational concepts for controlled project delivery in complex environments. As the first dedicated IT project management method, it set precedents for stage-gated processes still evident in global standards today.

Linguistics and psychology

In linguistics, a prompt is a verbal or contextual stimulus intended to elicit a targeted linguistic response, often facilitating or correction during acquisition or instruction. For instance, in early child , parents employ prompts such as inquisitive questions to create opportunities for children to verbalize and expand their , thereby promoting spontaneous speech. In contexts, prompts function as metalinguistic cues in form-focused instruction, encouraging learners to self-correct errors and deepen grammatical understanding. Within , prompts are essential tools in behavior therapy, serving as antecedent cues to guide individuals toward adaptive responses, particularly in (ABA) interventions for disorders. Verbal prompts, such as direct instructions like "Point to the red ball," provide immediate guidance to reinforce skill acquisition while minimizing errors during learning trials. These techniques draw from B.F. Skinner's foundational principles of outlined in his 1957 work , where verbal stimuli act as reinforcements to shape communicative and behavioral operants through contingent consequences. Prompts are categorized by modality to match the learner's developmental stage and task demands, including gestural prompts (e.g., pointing to an object to signal its identification), verbal prompts (spoken hints or commands), and visual prompts (e.g., icons or diagrams illustrating steps). To foster long-term independence, fading techniques systematically reduce prompt intensity—such as progressing from full hand-over-hand guidance to subtle gestures or none—thereby decreasing reliance and enhancing generalization of skills across settings. A key application appears in second-language , where prompts align with Lev Vygotsky's by offering scaffolded support, such as partial sentence starters, to bridge the gap between independent performance and guided achievement. In , prompts also function as memory aids, particularly for (remembering to perform intended actions); for example, strategies—self-generated prompts linking cues to actions—have been shown to improve task adherence in older adults with . Meta-analyses of memory training interventions indicate moderate effect sizes (d ≈ 0.3–0.4) in enhancing recall and reducing age-related forgetting in elderly populations. By the 2020s, prompts have integrated into digital tools for (), with apps delivering timed reminders and cues to support habit formation and emotional regulation in daily life.