Original Paper: https://arxiv.org/abs/2307.07415

By: Hong Sun, Xue Li, Yinchuan Xu, Youkow Homma, Qi Cao, Min Wu, Jian Jiao, Denis Charles

Abstract:

This paper presents AutoHint, a novel framework for automatic prompt engineering and optimization for Large Language Models (LLM). While LLMs have demonstrated remarkable ability in achieving high-quality annotation in various tasks, the key to applying this ability to specific tasks lies in developing high-quality prompts. Thus we propose a framework to inherit the merits of both in-context learning and zero-shot learning by incorporating enriched instructions derived from input-output demonstrations to optimize original prompt. We refer to the enrichment as the hint and propose a framework to automatically generate the hint from labeled data. More concretely, starting from an initial prompt, our method first instructs a LLM to deduce new hints for selected samples from incorrect predictions, and then summarizes from per-sample hints and adds the results back to the initial prompt to form a new, enriched instruction. The proposed method is evaluated on the BIG-Bench Instruction Induction dataset for both zero-shot and few-short prompts, where experiments demonstrate our method is able to significantly boost accuracy for multiple tasks.

Summary Notes

AutoHint: Enhancing Large Language Models with Automated Prompt Engineering

The realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is constantly advancing, with Large Language Models (LLMs) at the forefront, transforming our ability to interact with machines using natural language.

However, a significant challenge in leveraging these models to their full potential lies in prompt engineering - a task that requires precision and often, a lot of manual effort.

AutoHint emerges as a game-changer in this space, automating the optimization of prompts to improve LLM efficiency. Developed by Hong Sun and their team at Microsoft, AutoHint is setting new standards for how we guide LLMs in performing complex tasks.

Introduction to AutoHint

Traditionally, prompt engineering has been a hands-on, somewhat subjective process, involving crafting prompts by hand to direct LLMs. While this method has its merits, it's time-intensive, difficult to scale, and susceptible to human bias.

AutoHint introduces an automated, scalable solution for refining prompts, significantly enhancing LLM performance.

How AutoHint Works

AutoHint revolutionizes prompt engineering with a methodical, feedback-oriented approach:

• Initial Setup: Starts with a basic prompt for initial LLM predictions.
• Hint Generation: When predictions miss the mark, AutoHint generates hints by asking the LLM to consider the reasons behind inaccuracies.
• Hint Summarization: These hints are summarized and used to improve the initial prompt, making it clearer and more effective.
• Iterative Refinement: This process of prediction, hint generation, and prompt refinement continues, steadily boosting the prompt's effectiveness.

Performance Insights

Testing AutoHint on the BIG-Bench Instruction Induction dataset, which includes complex cognitive tasks like Epistemic Reasoning and Logical Fallacy Detection, revealed:

• Enhanced Accuracy: AutoHint outshined basic prompts, showing marked improvements in accuracy across both zero-shot and few-shot learning settings.
• Versatility: Its adaptability across different tasks highlights AutoHint's potential for widespread use in LLM applications at the enterprise level.

Benefits of AutoHint

AutoHint offers notable advantages:

• Efficiency: It cuts down on the manual work involved in prompt engineering.
• Applicability: The framework is versatile across various learning scenarios.
• Scalability: AutoHint is designed to improve a broad spectrum of LLM applications efficiently.

Overcoming Challenges

While AutoHint presents significant benefits, challenges remain, particularly in managing hints across multiple iterations and maintaining computational efficiency.

Future efforts are expected to focus on optimizing these aspects to enhance AutoHint's effectiveness further.

Conclusion

AutoHint represents a significant leap forward in AI, providing an efficient solution to optimize prompt engineering for LLMs. This advancement not only boosts LLM performance but also broadens their application scope in handling complex tasks.

As AutoHint continues to evolve, it promises to drive further progress in AI, making sophisticated language models more accessible and effective for enterprise applications.

For AI engineers eager to stay ahead in the technology curve, adopting frameworks like AutoHint could be crucial in maximizing the capabilities of Large Language Models, ensuring their applications stay competitive in the dynamic digital world.