System prompt
In the OpenAI API, the instructions parameter gives the model high-level guidance about its behavior, such as tone, goals, and examples. These instructions take precedence over the prompt in the input and roughly correspond to a developer or system message.
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Source content checked . English translation published 2026-10-27.
In business automation
System instructions define the role, boundaries, and style of a language component. They help keep behavior consistent, but they are not a substitute for code that checks permissions or a reliable source of facts.
Examples
These examples illustrate a possible workflow. Adapt the connections and rules to your own systems.
Business process example
A service assistant is instructed to answer from the procedures and say when it does not have an answer. Order details come from a separate tool, and the server still checks a request to change an address before carrying it out.
Relevant tools
- Dify
- Defining instructions and knowledge sources is part of building a language application and the processes around it.
What to check
- Do not put secrets in the instructions or rely on them alone to prevent a disallowed action. A model can make mistakes or be influenced by external input.