Prompt Level Selection Skill
Guide selection of the appropriate prompt level for a task using the seven levels framework.
Purpose
Match task complexity to the right prompt level. Start simple, add complexity only when needed.
When to Use
- Starting a new prompt
- Upgrading existing prompt
- Unsure which level fits
- Teaching prompt engineering
The Seven Levels Quick Reference
| Level | Name | Use When |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | High-Level | Simple repeatable task |
| 2 | Workflow | Sequential steps needed |
| 3 | Control Flow | Conditionals or loops |
| 4 | Delegation | Multiple agents needed |
| 5 | Higher-Order | Processing other prompts |
| 6 | Template Meta | Generating prompts |
| 7 | Self-Improving | Knowledge accumulation |
Decision Tree
Is this a simple, repeatable task?
├── Yes -> Level 1 (High-Level Prompt)
└── No
|
Does it need sequential steps?
├── Yes -> Does it need conditionals/loops?
| ├── Yes -> Does it delegate to agents?
| | ├── Yes -> Level 4 (Delegation)
| | └── No -> Level 3 (Control Flow)
| └── No -> Level 2 (Workflow)
└── No
|
Does it process other prompts?
├── Yes -> Level 5 (Higher-Order)
└── No
|
Does it generate prompts?
├── Yes -> Level 6 (Template Meta)
└── No
|
Does it need to learn over time?
├── Yes -> Level 7 (Self-Improving)
└── No -> Reassess requirements
The 80/20 Rule
"Levels 3-4 cover 80% of practical use cases."
| Level Range | Coverage | Complexity |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | 40% | Low |
| 3-4 | 80% | Medium (Sweet Spot) |
| 5-7 | 20% | High |
Don't over-engineer. Most tasks fit in Levels 3-4.
Selection Process
Step 1: Understand the Task
Ask:
- What does this task accomplish?
- How often will it be repeated?
- What inputs does it need?
- What outputs does it produce?
Step 2: Check Complexity Indicators
| Indicator | Points To |
|---|---|
| One-time or rare | Level 1 |
| Sequential steps | Level 2+ |
| "If X then Y" | Level 3+ |
| "Run N agents" | Level 4 |
| "Process this spec file" | Level 5 |
| "Create prompts for..." | Level 6 |
| "Learn and improve" | Level 7 |
Step 3: Start Low, Upgrade If Needed
- Start with lowest applicable level
- Build and test the prompt
- If insufficient, upgrade one level
- Repeat until task is satisfied
Level Selection Examples
Example 1: "Start the dev server"
Analysis: Simple, repeatable, no variables Level: 1 (High-Level Prompt)
Example 2: "Create an implementation plan"
Analysis: Sequential steps, needs input, produces output Level: 2 (Workflow Prompt)
Example 3: "Generate N images with validation"
Analysis: Loop required, conditional checking Level: 3 (Control Flow)
Example 4: "Research topic with 5 parallel agents"
Analysis: Multiple agents, aggregation needed Level: 4 (Delegation Prompt)
Example 5: "Build from this spec file"
Analysis: Accepts another prompt/spec as input Level: 5 (Higher-Order)
Example 6: "Create new slash commands"
Analysis: Generates prompts in specific format Level: 6 (Template Meta Prompt)
Example 7: "Hook expert that learns patterns"
Analysis: Accumulates expertise over time Level: 7 (Self-Improving Prompt)
Output Format
When recommending a level:
## Level Selection
**Task:** [description]
**Recommended Level:** [1-7] ([name])
**Rationale:**
- [reason 1]
- [reason 2]
**Key Sections Needed:**
- [section 1]
- [section 2]
**Alternative Consideration:**
Level [N] if [condition]
Red Flags
| Red Flag | Issue | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Jumping to Level 6-7 | Over-engineering | Start at Level 2-3 |
| Level 1 for complex task | Under-engineering | Add Workflow section |
| Level 4 for single-agent | Unnecessary delegation | Use Level 2-3 |
| No clear level fit | Vague requirements | Clarify task scope |
Key Quote
"Three times marks a pattern. Copy whatever you're doing and write it as a high level prompt, then move up the levels from there."
Cross-References
- @seven-levels.md - Detailed level descriptions
- @prompt-sections-reference.md - Sections for each level
- @stakeholder-trifecta.md - Communication considerations
Version History
- v1.0.0 (2025-12-26): Initial release
Last Updated
Date: 2025-12-26 Model: claude-opus-4-5-20251101
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