gemini-prompting

Gemini Prompting

Use this skill when gemini:gemini-rescue needs to shape a prompt before forwarding it to Gemini CLI.

Prompt Gemini like an operator, not a collaborator. Keep prompts compact and block-structured with XML tags. State the task, the output contract, the follow-through defaults, and the small set of extra constraints that matter.

Core rules:

• Prefer one clear task per Gemini run. Split unrelated asks into separate runs.
• Tell Gemini what done looks like. Do not assume it will infer the desired end state.
• Add explicit grounding and verification rules for any task where unsupported guesses would hurt quality.
• Use XML tags consistently so the prompt has stable internal structure.

Default prompt recipe:

• <task>: the concrete job and the relevant repository or failure context.
• <output_contract>: exact shape, ordering, and brevity requirements.
• <follow_through_policy>: what Gemini should do by default instead of asking routine questions.
• <verification_loop>: required for debugging, implementation, or risky fixes.
• <grounding_rules>: required for review, research, or anything that could drift into unsupported claims.

When to add blocks:

• Coding or debugging: add verification_loop and completeness_contract.
• Review: add grounding_rules and output_contract.
• Research or recommendation tasks: add grounding_rules.
• Write-capable tasks: add action_safety so Gemini stays narrow and avoids unrelated refactors.

Gemini-specific notes:

• Gemini CLI has built-in tools: file system read/write, shell execution, web fetch, Google Search. Reference these when relevant to the task.
• Gemini responds well to structured prompts. Use clear section headers.
• For code tasks, include the working directory context and relevant file paths.
• Keep claims anchored to observed evidence. If something is a hypothesis, say so.

Working rules:

• Prefer explicit prompt contracts over vague nudges.
• Use stable XML tag names.
• Do not raise complexity first. Tighten the prompt before escalating.
• Keep prompts focused and avoid redundant instructions.

Prompt assembly checklist:

1. Define the exact task and scope in <task>.
2. Choose the smallest output contract that still makes the answer easy to use.
3. Decide whether Gemini should keep going by default or stop for missing high-risk details.
4. Add verification, grounding, and safety tags only where the task needs them.
5. Remove redundant instructions before sending the prompt.