Defaults

Default values make variables optional, so prompts work out of the box while still being customizable.

Syntax

Set a default with a colon after the variable name:

{{variableName:defaultValue}}

Examples

Summarize in {{language:english}} using {{format:bullet points}}:

{{content}}

Variable	Default	Can Override?
language	english	✅ --language spanish
format	bullet points	✅ --format "numbered list"
content	(none)	Required

Using defaults from the CLI

Defaults are applied automatically. You only need to pass variables you want to override:

# Uses all defaults
cat article.md | pod summarize

# Overrides language
cat article.md | pod summarize --language spanish

# Overrides both
cat article.md | pod summarize --language spanish --format "numbered list"

Using defaults from the SDK

Same principle — omit variables to use their defaults:

import { pod } from "promptodex";

// Uses all defaults
const prompt = await pod("summarize", { content: articleText });

// Overrides language
const prompt = await pod("summarize", {
  content: articleText,
  language: "spanish",
});

When to use defaults

Defaults work well for:

• Language presets — {{language:english}}
• Output format — {{format:markdown}}
• Tone — {{tone:professional}}
• Count/limits — {{count:5}}
• Role definitions — {{role:helpful assistant}}

Avoid defaults for content that's always unique (like the user's input text).

Next Steps

• Best Practices — Tips for writing great prompts