Learn by Source
DataCamp · on DataCamp

Understanding Prompt Engineering

Beginner 1 hours English Course Certificate
SkillsPrompt engineeringZero-shot promptingFew-shot promptingAI chatbotsPrompt structure

Is this course right for you?

Our take
A short, practical DataCamp course on getting better answers out of AI chatbots.

Good for: Practical prompting techniques for anyone using AI chatbots.

Skip if: You want to build with an API or already prompt well.

It covers how to structure a prompt, how to tell a strong output from a weak one, and named techniques like zero-shot and few-shot prompting — no coding, just a useful skills bump for anyone already using these tools day to day, and not much new if you already prompt well or you want to build on an API instead. You'll need a DataCamp subscription (roughly $14/month on the annual plan; the first chapter is free to sample). The techniques age better than any single tool (as of 2026).

Comparison · LBS

Compare alternatives for Understanding Prompt Engineering

Same topic, different options. We surface the trade-offs others hide so you can pick the course that actually fits your time, budget, and goals.
DataCamp
Understanding Prompt Engineering
Price
Paid
DataCamp subscription
Duration
1 hrs
Level
Beginner
Certificate
Course Certificate
Udemy4.7(15,000)
The Complete OpenAI API with Python Masterclass
Price
Paid
Paid, frequently discounted
Duration
10 hrs
Level
Intermediate
Certificate
Course Certificate
View course →
Coursera4.8
AI Agents with Model Context Protocol
Price
Paid
Free to audit · paid certificate
Duration
31 hrs
Level
Beginner
Certificate
Specialization
View course →
Coursera4.4(363)
Vibe Coding Essentials: Build Apps with AI
Price
Paid
Free to audit · paid certificate
Duration
40 hrs
Level
Beginner
Certificate
Specialization
View course →
Prices & availability can change — confirm on the provider's site. We're not affiliated with any single provider.

About this course

Understanding Prompt Engineering is a quick, practical introduction to getting better results out of AI chatbots. It covers how to structure a prompt, how to tell a good output from a bad one, and named techniques — zero-shot, few-shot, and step-by-step prompting — that consistently lift quality.

Browse all AI & ML courses Browse all DataCamp courses

Instructor

AB
Alex Banks
DataCamp instructor

Taught by Alex Banks, a founder and educator who teaches prompting to a broad, non-specialist audience.

Frequently asked questions

No — it focuses on writing effective prompts, with no programming. It rewards putting the ideas into practice, and what you learn transfers well beyond the specific examples used here.

Yes — the first chapter is free; the rest needs a DataCamp subscription. It rewards putting the ideas into practice, and what you learn transfers well beyond the specific examples used here.

Structuring prompts, judging outputs, and named methods like zero-shot and few-shot prompting.

Around two hours. It rewards putting the ideas into practice, and what you learn transfers well beyond the specific examples used here.

Yes — a DataCamp certificate of completion is included with the subscription. It records what you completed rather than acting as an accredited qualification.
Paid
DataCamp subscription
Enroll now