System Prompt

Also known as: System Message, System Instructions

In one sentence

Initial instructions given to an AI model that set its behavior, personality, and constraints for an entire conversation.

Explain like I'm 12

Like telling a friend the rules before you start a game—it sets how the AI should act, what it should know, and what it shouldn't do.

In context

A system prompt might say 'You are a helpful customer service agent. Be polite, concise, and never share customer data.' All subsequent user messages follow these rules.

Related Guides

Learn more about System Prompt in these guides:

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