System Prompt
Definition
Hidden instructions given to an AI model that define its persona, behavior, capabilities, and constraints for a conversation.In-Depth Explanation
System prompts are set by developers to customize how an AI assistant behaves. They can define the AI's name, personality, knowledge boundaries, response format, and safety guidelines. Unlike user prompts, system prompts are typically not visible to end users. They are crucial for building specialized AI applications and maintaining consistent behavior.
Real-World Example
A customer support bot's system prompt might say "You are a helpful assistant for Acme Inc. Only answer questions about our products. Be friendly and concise."