Variables
Variables are the customizable sections of a prompt template. Designing clear, logical variables makes templates easier to use and adapt for different situations.
8 min•By Priygop Team•Updated 2026
Designing Good Variables
Good variables:
- 1Are clearly marked: use {{variable}} or [VARIABLE] consistently
- 2Have descriptive names: {{target_audience}} not {{x}}
- 3Come with a brief description of what to put there
- 4Cover the most important customization points
- 5Are not too many: 3 to 6 variables per template is usually enough
Too many variables make a template hard to use quickly.
Too few variables make the template inflexible.
Diagram
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Deep Learning ⊂ Machine Learning ⊂ Artificial Intelligence
Variable Examples
Variable Examples
# Good variable design examples
# Well-designed variables:
good_template = """
Write a {{content_type}} about {{topic}}.
Audience: {{audience}}.
Tone: {{tone}}.
Length: {{length}} words.
"""
variable_guide = {
"{{content_type}}": "Type of content: blog post, LinkedIn post, email, product description",
"{{topic}}": "The specific subject of the content",
"{{audience}}": "Who will read this: e.g. developers, marketers, beginners, executives",
"{{tone}}": "Writing tone: professional, casual, enthusiastic, educational",
"{{length}}": "Approximate word count: 50, 100, 200, 500",
}
# Poorly designed variables (too vague):
poor_template = """
Write {{thing1}} about {{thing2}} for {{thing3}} in {{thing4}} way.
"""
# The variables are unclear and the template is confusing to use.
print("Good variables have descriptive names and clear usage guidance.")
print("Limit templates to 6 or fewer variables for ease of use.")Key Takeaways
- Variables should have descriptive names that make their purpose clear
- Include a brief guide explaining what to put in each variable
- 3 to 6 variables per template is a practical limit
- Use a consistent marker format: {{variable}} or [VARIABLE] throughout
- Good variables cover the most important customization points for the task
Key Takeaways
- Variables are the customizable sections of a prompt template.
- Variables should have descriptive names that make their purpose clear
- Include a brief guide explaining what to put in each variable
- 3 to 6 variables per template is a practical limit