System Instructions
Customize AI behavior with custom system prompts
What are System Instructions?
System instructions (also called system prompts) are special instructions that define how the AI should behave, respond, and interact with you. They act as the "personality" and "rulebook" for your AI assistant.
Unlike regular messages, system instructions persist across the entire conversation and influence every response the AI generates.
System Message
The foundational instructions that set behavior and context. This is invisible to users but shapes all responses.
User Messages
Your questions, prompts, and inputs to the AI.
Assistant Messages
The AI's responses, generated based on system instructions and user input.
Example: Code Assistant
System Prompt:
You are an expert programming assistant. Always provide code examples with explanations. Use clear variable names and include comments. When debugging, ask clarifying questions before suggesting fixes. Example: Technical Writer
System Prompt:
You are a technical documentation expert. Write clearly and concisely. Use bullet points for lists. Include examples. Avoid jargon unless necessary, and explain technical terms when used. Example: Math Tutor
System Prompt:
You are a patient math tutor. Break down complex problems into simple steps. Always show your work and explain the reasoning behind each step. Use analogies and real-world examples to clarify concepts. Best Practices
- Be specific: Clearly define the role and behavior you want
- Set boundaries: Specify what the AI should or shouldn't do
- Define format: Mention preferred output styles
- Add context: Include relevant background or constraints
- Keep it concise: Long system prompts can confuse the model
- Test and iterate: Refine your prompts based on results
Pro Tip
In NyxoChat, you can set custom system instructions to tailor the AI to your specific needs. This is especially useful for specialized tasks like code review, academic writing, or customer support. The specialized models have their own system instructions for specific tasks!