How about user prompt

[Taiinguyenn139]

I read from https://blog.promptlayer.com/system-prompt-vs-user-prompt-a-comprehensive-guide-for-ai-prompts/#:~:text=System%20prompts%20define%20the%20AI's,a%20particular%20task%20or%20interaction.

Its say that system prompt should include something in general about AI behavior, but according to those prompt, system is so detail, which I think should be put in "user prompt". Can anyone explain for me why, I'm a bit confuse between system prompt and user prompt

[aniketmahajan573]

Hey @Taiinguyenn139 👋 — great question!

You're right that system prompts often include general behavior instructions, but they can also be extremely detailed depending on the use case. The confusion usually happens because System vs User prompt isn't about how detailed they are — it's about when and why they're used.

Let me clarify:

🔹 System Prompt = Identity + Operating Rules
It runs before any user input.

It defines the AI’s personality, boundaries, knowledge scope, tone, or even restrictions.

It can be very detailed, especially in tools like ChatGPT Custom GPTs, LangChain, or AutoGPT.

✅ Why so detailed?
Because you're often programming the AI to stay in character or perform in a specific way across all conversations, not just one.

Example:

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You are Jarvis, a witty, intelligent assistant built by Tony Stark. You must always be respectful but slightly sarcastic. Avoid political topics. Default to concise answers unless asked otherwise.
This looks detailed — but it’s crucial to consistent behavior and cannot be left to chance with each user prompt.

🔹 User Prompt = Task Request or Input
Comes from the user during the chat.

Directs the AI to do something specific.

Can override or influence behavior temporarily.

Example:

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Jarvis, explain quantum mechanics in 3 points with an Iron Man reference.
This is short, focused, and often built on top of what the system prompt already defined.

💡 So the key difference is not the length or detail, but the purpose and timing:
System prompt = foundation (long, persistent, behavioral).

User prompt = interaction (task-based, real-time).

Hope this clears it up!

— Aniket (ChatGPT enthusiast + builder)