Prompt chaining: complete definition in AI for SMEs

Prompt chaining is a technique that chains multiple prompts sequentially, where the output of prompt n becomes the input of prompt n+1. Each prompt performs a specific task and the final result is the sum of several specialized processes. Unlike a single complex prompt, chaining breaks the problem into simple, testable steps.

What it changes for an SME

Prompt chaining is a powerful technique for automating complex tasks with LLMs:

• Extraction + classification + writing: prompt 1 extracts data from a document, prompt 2 classifies it, prompt 3 writes the response;
• Search + synthesis + reformulation: prompt 1 finds information, prompt 2 synthesizes it, prompt 3 adapts it to the desired tone;
• Chain validation: prompt 1 generates, prompt 2 checks compliance, prompt 3 corrects if needed.

Best practices

Chain 2 to 5 prompts maximum. Document each input and output. Add guardrails between steps (format verification, coherence validation). In fractional AI leadership, we build chains as testable pipelines: you can replay each step individually and measure each link's quality.