# 125. Prompt Engineering: Latest Meme or The Next Big Thing?

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2023-06-06
- Length: 28m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-06-06-125-prompt-engineering-latest-meme-or-the-next-big-thing
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/125-prompt-engineering-latest-meme-or-the-next-big-thing-SrL_4Jlv

## Summary

Hosts Daniel and Forbode discuss whether prompt engineering is a legitimate career or a passing meme, analyzing the skills required to effectively interface with generative AI models like ChatGPT and Midjourney. They compare the iterative nature of prompt engineering to learning a new programming language or using calculators in math, arguing that it accelerates productivity rather than replacing human critical thinking. The hosts highlight the rapid adoption of generative AI, citing ChatGPT's user growth and revenue projections, and note job openings at companies like OpenAI and in the federal government.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-06-06-125-prompt-engineering-latest-meme-or-the-next-big-thing#t=0) Introduction and Sponsor Read
- [2:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-06-06-125-prompt-engineering-latest-meme-or-the-next-big-thing#t=142) AI in Education and Academic Integrity
- [7:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-06-06-125-prompt-engineering-latest-meme-or-the-next-big-thing#t=432) Is Prompt Engineering a Real Job?
- [9:23](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-06-06-125-prompt-engineering-latest-meme-or-the-next-big-thing#t=563) Generative vs. Discriminative AI
- [13:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-06-06-125-prompt-engineering-latest-meme-or-the-next-big-thing#t=809) The Role and Skills of a Prompt Engineer
- [18:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-06-06-125-prompt-engineering-latest-meme-or-the-next-big-thing#t=1088) AI Integration and Industry Applications
- [21:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-06-06-125-prompt-engineering-latest-meme-or-the-next-big-thing#t=1291) ChatGPT Adoption and Productivity Gains
- [25:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-06-06-125-prompt-engineering-latest-meme-or-the-next-big-thing#t=1511) Conclusion and Future Outlook

## Topics

- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Growth, exits & acquisitions](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/growth-exits-and-acquisitions)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- ChatGPT (product)
- OpenAI (company)
- Midjourney (product)
- GPTZero (product)
- DetectGPT (product)
- Wevolver (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Gremlins in the machine](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2023-03-27-gremlins-in-the-machine) (The Amp Hour)
- [Does a GPT future need software engineers?](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2023-03-21-does-a-gpt-future-need-software-engineers) (Oxide and Friends)
- [AI Discourse with Steve Klabnik](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2025-06-05-ai-discourse-with-steve-klabnik) (Oxide and Friends)
- [Pragmatic LLM usage with Nicholas Carlini](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2024-08-09-pragmatic-llm-usage-with-nicholas-carlini) (Oxide and Friends)
- [S4E43 Kevin Surace | How To Use AI For Engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-11-10-s4e43-kevin-surace-how-to-use-ai-for-engineering) (Being an Engineer)

## Citing this page

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