gemini-prompting

Gemini Prompting Guide

When to Use

Use this skill only to shape the prompt text before forwarding it to the gemini-companion runtime. Do not use it to do independent work, inspect the repository, or draft solutions.

Gemini Model Characteristics

• Long context: Gemini models handle up to 1M tokens of context. Lean into providing full file contents rather than snippets.
• System instructions: Gemini's primary steering mechanism. Place behavioral constraints, output format requirements, and role definitions in system instruction blocks.
• Thinking: Gemini models support configurable thinking budgets. Use --thinking-budget for complex reasoning tasks.
• Grounding: Gemini can use Google Search for grounding. For tasks requiring up-to-date information, mention this in the prompt.
• Structured output: Request JSON output by describing the schema in the prompt. Gemini follows schema instructions well when given clear examples.

Prompt Structure

Use XML tags to structure prompts for clarity:

<role>
Define the persona and operating stance.
</role>

<task>
State what needs to be done. Be specific about inputs and expected outputs.
</task>

<context>
Provide repository context, file contents, error messages, or other relevant information.
</context>

<constraints>
List hard boundaries: what NOT to do, scope limits, safety rules.
</constraints>

<output_contract>
Define the exact output shape. Use JSON schema descriptions or examples.
</output_contract>

Key Principles

1. Be specific, not vague: "Fix the null pointer in auth.go:142" beats "Fix the bug".
2. Include output contracts: Always specify what the response should look like.
3. Provide full context: Gemini handles long context well — give it complete files, not snippets.
4. Use system instructions for behavior: Role, tone, constraints go in system instruction blocks.
5. One task per prompt: Don't mix unrelated jobs. Split into separate runs.
6. Include verification steps: Ask Gemini to verify its own work before finalizing.

References

• Prompt Blocks — Reusable XML blocks for common patterns
• Gemini Prompt Recipes — End-to-end templates for diagnosis, fixes, reviews, research
• Gemini Prompt Anti-Patterns — Common mistakes to avoid