latitude-dev PromptL Syntax Guide
Comprehensive guide for writing PromptL prompts in the Latitude platform. PromptL is a versatile, human-readable language that simplifies defining and managing dynamic prompts for LLMs.
When to Apply
Reference these guidelines when:
- Writing new PromptL prompts for Latitude
- Configuring LLM models and parameters
- Using variables, conditionals, or loops in prompts
- Creating multi-step chains or agentic workflows
- Defining tools for function calling
- Referencing other prompts (snippets)
- Working with structured JSON output schemas
Syntax Categories
| Category | Purpose | Key Syntax |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration | Define model, provider, and parameters | --- YAML block |
| Messages | Structure conversations | <system>, <user>, <assistant>, <tool> |
| Variables | Dynamic content | {{ variable }} |
| Conditionals | Dynamic flow control | {{ if }}, {{ else }}, {{ endif }} |
| Loops | Iterate over lists | {{ for item in list }}, {{ endfor }} |
| Chains | Multi-step prompts | <step> |
| Tools | Function calling | tools: in config |
| Agents | Autonomous workflows | type: agent |
| Snippets | Reusable prompts | <prompt path="..." /> |
| Content | Multi-modal content | <content-image>, <content-file> |
Quick Reference
Configuration Block
---
provider: OpenAI
model: gpt-4o
temperature: 0.7
top_p: 0.9
maxSteps: 20
---
Message Tags
<system>- System instructions<user>- User messages<assistant>- Assistant responses<tool>- Tool interaction results<message role="...">- Generic message tag
Variables
{{ variable_name }}
{{ variable || "default" }}
{{ set myVar = "value" }}
Conditionals
{{ if condition }}
content
{{ else }}
alternative
{{ endif }}
Loops
{{ for item, index in items }}
{{ index }}: {{ item }}
{{ else }}
No items
{{ endfor }}
Chains (Multi-step)
<step as="result">
First step content
</step>
<step>
Use {{ result }} from previous step
</step>
Tools Configuration
tools:
- tool_name:
description: What the tool does
parameters:
type: object
properties:
param_name:
type: string
description: Parameter description
required:
- param_name
Agents
---
type: agent
provider: OpenAI
model: gpt-4o
tools:
- latitude/search
agents:
- agents/sub-agent-path
maxSteps: 40
---
Structured Output
schema:
type: object
properties:
field_name:
type: string
description: Field description
required:
- field_name
Prompt References (Snippets)
<prompt path="relative/path/to/prompt" />
<prompt path="shared/policies" variable={{ value }} />
Content Types
<content-text>Plain text</content-text>
<content-image>{{ image_url }}</content-image>
<content-file mime="application/pdf">{{ file_data }}</content-file>
How to Use
Read the AGENTS.md file for the complete detailed guide with all syntax explanations, examples, and best practices.
Each section contains:
- Detailed explanation of the feature
- Correct usage examples
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Best practices and tips