Umamaheswaran

Prompt engineering is tweaking inputs to get desired outputs from AI models like ChatGPT. It’s not engineering—it’s trial and error.

Why Prompt Engineering Falls Short:

1. No Foundational Principles:

Unlike engineering, it lacks structured techniques or frameworks. It’s about guessing, not systematic problem-solving.

2. Unpredictable and Non-Reproducible:

A prompt that works today can fail tomorrow. AI model updates can change behavior, breaking earlier “successful” prompts.

3. No Predictive Power:

Engineers can predict outcomes based on inputs. Prompt engineering offers no such guarantees.

4. Temporary and Context-Dependent:

Prompts are brittle. Small changes in wording, context, or updates to the AI model can make them obsolete.

The Real Risk:

People selling “prompt engineering” as a skill or career are overhyping guesswork. When models update, your carefully crafted prompts stop working entirely.

What Matters:

• Learn AI fundamentals and understand how models work.

• Focus on critical thinking and domain expertise.

• Avoid buying into the hype. Prompt engineering is a tool, not a discipline.

Save your time and money for skills with real longevity and impact.