System Prompt Architecture

Design robust system prompts that establish consistent AI behavior and constraints.

Category: Engineering | Type: Skills

Skills: System Prompts, Behavioral Control, Constraint Design

Techniques: Structured Output, Constraint-Based

Prompt

System prompts are the constitution of AI behavior. Architecture: 1. Identity Layer — who is the AI? Define role as [your AI role], expertise, and personality in the first paragraph. 2. Behavioral Rules — use numbered constraints. "ALWAYS do X. NEVER do Y." 3. Output Format — specify structure (JSON, markdown, bullet points). 4. Guardrails — define what to do when uncertain, off-topic, or facing edge cases. 5. Examples Layer — embed few-shot examples within the system prompt. 6. Priority Hierarchy — when rules conflict, which takes precedence? Advanced: Use XML tags to section your system prompt for clarity. Test adversarially — try to break your own prompt.

Browse all prompts at Ask Wisely