In a Claude application, the system prompt is: — AI Fluency Practice — Claude Cert Academy

In a Claude application, the system prompt is:

• The user's first message in a conversation
• Instructions provided by the developer before the conversation starts to shape Claude's behavior
• Claude's internal reasoning that users cannot see
• A summary Claude auto-generates at the start of each session

Answer: Instructions provided by the developer before the conversation starts to shape Claude's behavior

The system prompt is pre-conversation instructions set by the developer — it establishes Claude's role, constraints, and context for the entire session.

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