Advanced Prompt Engineering / Advanced Prompt Structures

Pseudo-Code Prompting

Intermediate [3/5]

Code-style instructions Algorithmic prompting Structured logic prompting

Definition

Pseudo-code prompting uses programming-style syntax with control flow structures to provide instructions to LLMs. By expressing logic as pseudo-code, you leverage the model's extensive training on code to achieve more precise, structured outputs.

This technique provides structural clarity through familiar programming constructs like if/else, loops, and functions.

Key Concepts

Control flow: Using if/else, loops, and conditionals
Function-like structure: Defining inputs, processing, and outputs
Comments as guidance: Using code comments to explain intent
Variable placeholders: Clear markers for dynamic content

Examples

Conditional Logic

Decision Tree Style

function classify_email(email):
    # Check for spam indicators
    if contains_suspicious_links(email) OR all_caps_subject(email):
        return "SPAM"

    # Check urgency
    if contains_words(["urgent", "asap", "immediately"]):
        return "HIGH_PRIORITY"

    # Default classification
    return "NORMAL"

Apply this logic to: {user_email}

Processing Pipeline

Step-by-Step Algorithm

def analyze_sentiment(text):
    # Step 1: Extract key phrases
    phrases = extract_phrases(text)

    # Step 2: Score each phrase (-1 to 1)
    scores = [score_sentiment(p) for p in phrases]

    # Step 3: Calculate weighted average
    final_score = weighted_average(scores)

    # Step 4: Map to category
    if final_score > 0.3: return "positive"
    elif final_score < -0.3: return "negative"
    else: return "neutral"

Interactive Exercise

✎

Write Pseudo-Code Prompt

Write a pseudo-code prompt for a task that:

1. Takes a product review as input
2. Extracts pros and cons
3. Gives an overall rating

Pro Tips

Use familiar programming constructs (if/else, for, while)
Add comments to clarify intent
Define clear input/output types
Works especially well for classification and decision tasks

Definition

Key Concepts

Examples

Interactive Exercise

Related Terms