Prompt chains in the context of AI, especially when discussing large language models like GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer), refer to a sequence of prompts or instructions given to an AI model to produce a desired output or to perform a complex task through a series of steps. Imagine it as a relay race where each runner (prompt) passes the baton (information) to the next, with the goal of reaching a sophisticated conclusion or creating a comprehensive response that wouldn't be possible in a single step.

This approach leverages the AI's ability to handle tasks incrementally, allowing for more nuanced and controlled interactions. For instance, the first prompt might ask the AI to brainstorm ideas on a topic, the next could ask it to elaborate on one of those ideas, and further prompts might refine this elaboration into a detailed plan or a polished piece of content. Each prompt in the chain builds on the previous one, enabling the AI to navigate complex thought processes, much like assembling a puzzle where each piece is guided into place through successive steps.

Visualize this as setting up a series of dominoes where each domino represents a task or a piece of information. When arranged correctly, the fall of the first domino (initial prompt) initiates a chain reaction, leading to a domino (final prompt) that accomplishes something significantly more complex than what the initial push could have achieved alone. This methodology not only enhances the AI's performance but also allows users to guide the AI through tasks that require depth and creativity, mirroring the way a captain steers a ship through a series of precise navigational commands.