Recursive prompting improves an AI-generated answer through repeated stages instead of accepting the first response. Each output becomes input for analysis, correction, or further refinement. section 9.5.2
Use the technique as a deliberate refinement cycle:
- Start with a prompt requesting a solution or response. section 9.5.2
- Inspect the initial output for omissions, edge cases, or errors. section 9.5.2
- Feed the result back with a more specific request for correction or improvement. section 9.5.2
- Repeat until the result meets the required quality and accuracy. section 9.5.2
Refining a Python factorial function
Begin with “Write a Python function to calculate the factorial of a number.” Then request handling for negative numbers and non-integer inputs. Finally, ask for an iterative implementation instead of recursion. The successive versions add validation and replace recursive calculation with a loop. section 9.5.2
