Improving Datasette Agent's SQL Prompts with DSPy Evaluation

Simon Willison's Weblog· July 2, 2026 View original

▶ The 60-second brief

Summary

This post discusses the process of using DSPy to evaluate and subsequently enhance the SQL system prompts for Datasette Agent.

The content focuses on a methodology for refining the performance of Datasette Agent, specifically targeting its SQL system prompts. The approach involves leveraging DSPy, a programming model for LLMs, to systematically evaluate these prompts. By applying DSPy's capabilities, developers can identify weaknesses and areas for improvement within the existing SQL prompt structures. This iterative process aims to enhance the agent's accuracy and efficiency in generating or interpreting SQL queries.

Why it matters

Professionals working with AI agents and databases can learn a practical technique for optimizing their agent's ability to interact with SQL, leading to more reliable and efficient data operations.

How to implement this in your domain

  1. 1Integrate DSPy into your development workflow for AI agents that interact with databases.
  2. 2Define clear evaluation metrics for the SQL queries generated or interpreted by your agent.
  3. 3Use DSPy to systematically test different variations of your agent's SQL system prompts.
  4. 4Analyze DSPy's evaluation results to identify patterns of errors or inefficiencies in prompt design.
  5. 5Iteratively refine and improve your SQL prompts based on the insights gained from DSPy's feedback.

Who benefits

Software DevelopmentData AnalyticsDatabase ManagementAI Engineering

Key takeaways

  • DSPy offers a structured approach to evaluating and improving AI agent prompts.
  • Optimizing SQL system prompts is crucial for reliable database interaction by AI agents.
  • Systematic evaluation helps identify and correct prompt design flaws.
  • Iterative refinement based on performance metrics leads to more efficient AI-driven data operations.

Original post by Simon Willison's Weblog

"Using DSPy to evaluate and improve Datasette Agent's SQL system prompts"

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Originally posted by Simon Willison's Weblog on X · view source

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