Constraints
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Lesson 4 of 10

Constraints

Constraints tell the model what it must include, avoid or preserve.

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Why this matters

Constraints tell the model what it must include, avoid or preserve.

Must

Required elements.

Must not

Explicit exclusions.

Preserve

What must remain unchanged.

Understand the working model

Constraints turn a broad goal into a controllable task. They are especially useful for tone, length, allowed evidence, legal wording, brand rules and data formats.

Use a short, prioritized list. Too many conflicting constraints can lower quality because the model must trade them off. If two rules conflict, state which rule wins.

Example
Write a 120-word update. Use only the supplied facts. Do not mention internal project names. Preserve all numeric values exactly.
Practice

Apply the pattern above to one real task you already do. Keep the first version small enough that you can inspect every input and output.

Common mistake

Do not add five constraints that say the same thing in different words.

Key takeaway

Constraints are most useful when they are specific, testable and ordered by importance.

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