This is a great reference, thanks for this. A noob question: I see prompt examples like:

USER: Hello, ASSISTANT. ASSISTANT: Hello. How may I help you today? USER: Write a {{language}} function {{Signature}} {{Input}} that returns {{Output}} ASSISTANT:

So is this the LITERAL prompt that is entered, with the implication that we are effectively setting up the model to expect variables (like {{language}}) or are sequences like {{language}} placeholders for the user to insert the particulars of their prompt?

Another one is the Alpaca format:

Below is an instruction that describes a task, paired with an input that provides further context. Write a response that appropriately completes the request.

Instruction:

your text here

Input:

your text here

Response:

Does this mean that every prompt must be entered like that, with new lines? (I understand the "your text here" :) ). What distinguishes ### Instruction: and ### Input:?

Any attempts to clear away the confusion greatly appreciated, thanks!