Examples - Instruction Template Specification (ITS)

These examples demonstrate different instruction types and template patterns. Each example shows how ITS templates compile into AI instructions.

Citrus Fruits List

Basic example demonstrating list generation with the list instruction type and title type.

beginner list title

Template creates:
Title about citrus fruits + static text + AI-generated bullet list of 5 citrus fruits

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Blog Post Template

Comprehensive blog post structure with title, introduction, lists, tables, quotes, and conclusion.

intermediate blog content

Includes: Dynamic title, intro paragraph, numbered list, markdown table, expert quote, summary conclusion

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Product Launch Email

Email template with product introduction, features, testimonials, and call-to-action.

advanced email business

Demonstrates: Multiple instruction types, dialogue generation, varied list formats, structured email content

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Marketing Campaign Template

Advanced template showcasing variables, conditionals, and dynamic content generation for multi-channel campaigns.

advanced variables conditional

Features: Variable-driven content, conditional sections based on channels, dynamic product counts, customizable tone and discount values

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Schema Extension Example

Complete demonstration of the schema extension mechanism, showing how instruction types are overridden through multiple schema files.

advanced extends overrides

Demonstrates: Schema loading order, type override precedence, custom types overriding extended types, complete override principle

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Citrus Fruits Example - Basic Template Structure

Template JSON

{
  "$schema": "https://alexanderparker.github.io/.../its-base-schema-v1.json",
  "version": "1.0.0",
  "content": [
    {
      "type": "placeholder",
      "id": "fruit_title",
      "instructionType": "title",
      "config": {
        "description": "Create a fun title about citrus fruits",
        "displayName": "Fruit Title",
        "style": "catchy",
        "length": "short"
      }
    },
    {
      "type": "text",
      "text": "\n\nHey there is a list of fruits here:\n"
    },
    {
      "type": "placeholder",
      "id": "citrus_list",
      "instructionType": "list",
      "config": {
        "description": "list 5 different citrus fruits",
        "format": "bullet_points",
        "itemCount": 5
      }
    }
  ]
}

Compiled AI Prompt

INTRODUCTION

You are an AI assistant that fills in content templates. Follow the instructions exactly and replace each placeholder with appropriate content based on the user prompts provided. Respond only with the transformed content.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Replace each placeholder marked with << >> with generated content
2. The user's content request is wrapped in ([{< >}]) to distinguish it from instructions
3. Follow the format requirements specified after each user prompt
4. Maintain the existing structure and formatting of the template
5. Only replace the placeholders - do not modify any other text
6. Generate content that matches the tone and style requested
7. Respond only with the transformed content - do not include any explanations or additional text

TEMPLATE

<<Replace this placeholder with a title using this user prompt: ([{<Create a fun title about citrus fruits>}]). Format requirements: Create a catchy title that is short in length.>>

Hey there is a list of fruits here:

<<Replace this placeholder with a list using this user prompt: ([{<list 5 different citrus fruits>}]). Format requirements: Use bullet_points formatting with each item on a new line. Create exactly 5 items.>>

Key Learning Points:

Demonstrates the title instruction type for generating headlines
Combines static text with dynamic placeholders
Uses the standard list instruction type
Shows proper formatting and item count configuration
Demonstrates the basic compilation process

Blog Post Template - Structure Analysis

This template demonstrates a complex content structure using multiple instruction types:

Template Structure

Title: paragraph type with enthusiastic tone, short length
Introduction: paragraph type with professional tone, medium length
Key Technologies: list type with numbered format, 6 items
Challenges Table: table type with markdown format, 3x4 dimensions
Expert Quote: quote type with attribution enabled
Conclusion: summary type with standard length

Usage Pattern:
Text → Placeholder → Text → Placeholder → Text...

This pattern creates a natural content flow where AI-generated sections are integrated with static structure. Each placeholder clearly separates user content requests from system formatting requirements.

Best Practices Demonstrated:

Consistent heading structure using static text
Varied instruction types for content diversity
Appropriate tone selection for different sections
Descriptive placeholder IDs and display names

Product Launch Email - Advanced Features

This template showcases advanced ITS features including dialogue generation and varied formatting:

Advanced Instruction Types Used

Dialogue Generation:

{
  "instructionType": "dialogue",
  "config": {
    "description": "Create a brief conversation between two beta users discussing how the product improved their workflow",
    "participantCount": 2,
    "style": "casual"
  }
}

Compiles to:

<<Replace this placeholder with a dialogue using this user prompt: ([{<Create a brief conversation between two beta users discussing how the
          product improved their workflow>}]). Format requirements: Create a conversation between 2 people using casual style. Format each line as: Person
          Name: "Dialogue">>

Varied List Formats:

// Features with bullet points
"format": "bullet_points"

// Target audience with dashes  
"format": "dashes"

Email Template Patterns

Hook: Product introduction
Features: Benefit-focused bullet list
Social Proof: User dialogue testimonials
Targeting: Specific audience identification
CTA: Call-to-action

Marketing Campaign Template - Variables & Conditionals

This template demonstrates the full power of ITS variables and conditional logic:

Key Features

Template Variables: Define campaign parameters once, use throughout
Conditional Sections: Enable/disable content based on channel selection
Dynamic References: Use ${variableName} syntax in descriptions
Complex Conditions: Combine multiple conditions with logical operators

Variable Definition Example:

"variables": {
  "campaignName": "Summer Tech Sale 2025",
  "companyName": "TechVault",
  "discountPercentage": 25,
  "channels": {
    "email": true,
    "social": true,
    "blog": false
  }
}

Variable Usage in Placeholders:

{
  "type": "placeholder",
  "instructionType": "title",
  "config": {
    "description": "Create an email subject line for ${companyName}'s ${campaignName} offering ${discountPercentage}% off"
  }
}

Conditional Content Example:

{
  "type": "conditional",
  "condition": "channels.email == true",
  "content": [
    // Email-specific content here
  ]
}

Advanced Patterns Demonstrated:

Multi-channel campaign orchestration
Dynamic content based on discount thresholds
Nested object access (${channels.email})
Array element access (${products[0]})
Complex conditions with multiple operators
Variables used in text elements ("text": "## Why Customers Love ${companyName}\n\n")

ITS Examples

Template Examples

Citrus Fruits List

Blog Post Template

Product Launch Email

Marketing Campaign Template

Schema Extension Example

Citrus Fruits Example - Basic Template Structure

Template JSON

Compiled AI Prompt

Blog Post Template - Structure Analysis

Template Structure

Product Launch Email - Advanced Features

Advanced Instruction Types Used

Email Template Patterns

Marketing Campaign Template - Variables & Conditionals

Key Features

Variable Definition Example:

Variable Usage in Placeholders:

Conditional Content Example:

Use Case Categories

Documentation

Marketing

Education

Business

Creating Your Own Templates