System instructions and prompts

Before we dive into configuring task and chat modes, let's talk about the most important configuration options you'll use: system instructions and prompts. Understanding these concepts is essential because they're the primary way you communicate with the AI about what you want it to do.

❗️Important

What are system instructions? 

The System instructions field define the environment in which the AI Agent action will work. They shape how the AI Agent action should respond by setting expectations, tone, boundaries, or background knowledge. Think of them as the "personality" and "rules" for your AI agent. They set the stage for how the AI should approach every task or conversation. 

System instructions are incredibly useful for things like:

  • Defining the AI's role or persona (i.e., "You are a security analyst" or "You are a helpful IT support assistant").

  • Setting the tone (i.e., professional, friendly, concise).

  • Establishing rules and constraints (i.e., "Never share sensitive information" or "Always format dates as DD/MM/YYYY").

  • Providing context that applies to all interactions.

  • In chat mode, defining the goal and when the conversation should end.

🪄Tip

What are prompts? 

The Prompt field is available in task mode and is where you provide specific instructions for what the AI should do with the input data. While system instructions set the overall behavior, the prompt gives the AI its specific task for this execution.

In the Prompt field, you’ll typically:

  • Describe the specific task to complete.

  • Reference data from earlier actions in your story.

  • Provide examples of the desired output format.

  • Give step-by-step instructions if needed.

🪄Tip

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