Context Engineering

In one sentenceDeciding what information an AI gets to see so it can do the job well. The next step beyond prompt engineering.

What it means

As AI does longer and more complex work, the wording of a single prompt matters less than the full package of context: background documents, examples, past conversations, tool results, rules.

Context engineering is the practice of feeding the right information, in the right amount, at the right time. Too little and the AI guesses. Too much and it gets distracted.

How to use it

• Keep a "context pack" for your business: one document with who you serve, your offers, your proof points, your tone. Attach it whenever you start a serious task.
• Remove outdated or irrelevant material before you paste it in.

Related terms

Prompt Engineering Context Window RAG Custom Instructions