Prompt Chaining
Prompt chaining is the technique of using the output from one prompt as the input to the next. This creates a chain of AI tasks where each output builds on the last.
12 min•By Priygop Team•Updated 2026
How Prompt Chaining Works
Prompt chaining creates a sequence:
Prompt 1 --> Output 1 --> Prompt 2 (uses Output 1 as input) --> Output 2 --> Prompt 3...
Each link in the chain takes the previous output and processes it further.
This is powerful because:
- Complex tasks can be broken into expert-level sub-tasks
- Each stage can be optimized independently
- You can review and edit output at each stage
- Different prompting techniques can be applied at each step
Diagram
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Deep Learning ⊂ Machine Learning ⊂ Artificial Intelligence
Prompt Chain Example: Content Strategy
Prompt Chain Example: Content Strategy
# Prompt chain: from topic to complete content plan
# Chain Step 1: Research prompt
chain_step_1 = """
For the topic [TOPIC], identify:
1. The top 5 questions people ask about this topic
2. The main subtopics to cover
3. The target audience most interested in this
Format: numbered lists.
"""
# Chain Step 2: Use step 1 output to create an outline
chain_step_2 = """
Based on these questions and subtopics:
[PASTE OUTPUT FROM STEP 1]
Create a structured outline for a 2000-word article.
Include: introduction, 4 main sections, and conclusion.
Each section should have 3 subpoints.
"""
# Chain Step 3: Use step 2 to write the introduction
chain_step_3 = """
Using this article outline:
[PASTE OUTPUT FROM STEP 2]
Write only the introduction (150 words).
Hook: start with a compelling question or fact.
Preview: tell the reader what they will learn.
Tone: engaging but professional.
"""
# Chain Step 4: Improve the introduction
chain_step_4 = """
Review this introduction: [PASTE OUTPUT FROM STEP 3]
Make it: shorter (100 words), more conversational,
and stronger opening hook.
"""
print("Each prompt in the chain builds on the previous result.")
print("You control quality at each stage before moving forward.")Key Takeaways
- Prompt chaining uses the output of one prompt as input to the next
- Chaining enables complex tasks that no single prompt can handle well
- Review and edit the output at each stage before passing it to the next prompt
- Chaining is more powerful than multi-step prompting because each step can be a completely different type of task
- Start with simple chains of 2 to 3 steps and expand as you get comfortable
Key Takeaways
- Prompt chaining is the technique of using the output from one prompt as the input to the next.
- Prompt chaining uses the output of one prompt as input to the next
- Chaining enables complex tasks that no single prompt can handle well
- Review and edit the output at each stage before passing it to the next prompt