Advanced Prompt Engineering / Advanced Prompt Structures

XML/Markup Prompting

Intermediate [3/5]

Tag-based prompting Hierarchical markup prompting

Definition

XML/Markup prompting uses XML-style tags to structure prompts and expected outputs. Tags create clear boundaries between different sections of a prompt, making it easier for the model to parse and follow complex instructions.

This technique is particularly effective with Claude and other models trained on structured data formats.

Key Concepts

Section delimiters: Tags like <instructions>, <context>, <input>
Hierarchical structure: Nested tags for complex organization
Output formatting: Requesting responses in matching tag structure
Clear boundaries: Unambiguous separation of prompt components

Examples

Input Structure

Organized Prompt

<instructions>
Analyze the customer feedback and provide a summary.
</instructions>

<context>
This feedback is from our mobile app users after the v2.0 release.
</context>

<feedback>
The new interface is confusing. I can't find the settings anymore.
Loading times have improved though!
</feedback>

<output_format>
- Key issues
- Positive points
- Recommended actions
</output_format>

Output Structure

Tagged Response

Respond using this structure:

<analysis>
  <summary>Brief overview</summary>
  <sentiment>positive/negative/neutral</sentiment>
  <key_points>
    <point>First point</point>
    <point>Second point</point>
  </key_points>
  <recommendation>Action to take</recommendation>
</analysis>

Interactive Exercise

✎

Structure with XML Tags

Convert this flat prompt into XML-structured format:

Flat: "You are a translator. Translate the following English text to French. The text is: Hello, how are you? Keep it formal."

Pro Tips

Use descriptive tag names that explain content
Keep nesting levels manageable (2-3 deep max)
Be consistent with tag naming conventions
Claude particularly responds well to XML structure

Definition

Key Concepts

Examples

Interactive Exercise

Related Terms