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Write a data dictionary table from cryptic column names

  • For Business analysts
  • You practice Keeping the AI to your sources
  • Time about 5 minutes
  • Level Intermediate

About this exercise

You're documenting the orders table for new analysts. Write a markdown table with columns Column, Plain name and What it means, one row per column, in plain text apart from the table, under 130 words. Use only what the notes say. If the notes don't explain a column, write 'Unknown - ask the owner' in What it means rather than guessing.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Guessing the unknown column. The AI calls ref_xx 'refund reference' because a teammate said so. Try: Add: "If the doc doesn't explain a column, write 'Unknown - ask the owner'."
  • Dropping the units. The AI writes 'order amount' without saying cents or before tax. Try: Add: "Include units, status codes and the UTC time zone."
  • Leaving columns out. The AI documents only the obvious ones or merges rows. Try: Add: "One row for each of the 8 columns."
  • Leaving the format to chance. The AI picks its own length and layout unless told the exact shape. Try: Add: "Plain text, no bold or headings."
  • Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for a total word limit and it often lands over it. Try: Cap each part instead, for example "each line under 15 words."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Names the columns
  • Says use only the doc
  • Handles unknowns
  • Asks for units
  • Caps the cells

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