In a Claude application, the system prompt is: — Claude 101 Practice — Claude Cert Academy

In a Claude application, the system prompt is:

• Hidden instructions from the developer that shape Claude's behavior before the conversation starts
• The first thing the user types at the start of every conversation
• Claude's internal reasoning that users cannot see
• A summary Claude auto-generates at the start of each session

Answer: Hidden instructions from the developer that shape Claude's behavior before the conversation starts

The system prompt is developer-provided context set before the user conversation begins. It establishes Claude's role, constraints, and persistent instructions for the session.

Continue to Claude Cert Academy