Definition
Two ways to prompt an AI: zero-shot gives an instruction with no examples; few-shot adds a few sample answers so the AI copies the pattern.
At a glance
- The only difference is whether you show examples: zero-shot shows none, few-shot shows a few (usually three to five)[1].
- Zero-shot is fastest to write and fine for simple tasks like summaries or plain questions[3].
- Few-shot gives steadier results and locks in a set format, tone, or structure[4].
- Few-shot costs more: each example adds length to every request, raising per-use fees.
How they differ
Zero-shot means you just ask. Few-shot means you ask and also show a few worked examples first, so the AI mimics the pattern[2]. Nothing else about the tool changes; the difference lives entirely in the text you send.
When to use which
Use zero-shot for common, forgiving tasks: quick replies, rewrites, brainstorming. Use few-shot when output must come out the same way every time, follow a strict format like a spreadsheet row, match your brand voice, or where mistakes are costly.
Bottom line
Same job, one knob: start with zero-shot for speed, switch to few-shot when the answer must look identical every time.