AI / LLM Basics Interview Questions

What is the purpose of a System Prompt?

A system prompt is a set of instructions given to a model before the actual conversation begins, establishing its role, tone, boundaries, or behavior for the rest of that session.

Typically not shown to the end user, but still shapes every response the model gives afterward
Used to set persistent behavior, like "respond only in French" or "act as a customer support agent for this company"
Distinct from a regular user prompt, which is a specific request within the ongoing conversation

This is one of the main levers application developers use to customize a general-purpose model's behavior for their specific product, without needing to fine-tune anything.

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When is a system prompt typically given to a model? Before the actual conversation begins

✓ Correct! Well done.

Only after the conversation has already ended

✗ Try again if not.

Never, system prompts don't exist

✗ Try again if not.

Is a system prompt usually shown to the end user? Yes, always displayed prominently

✗ Try again if not.

Typically not, though it still shapes responses

✓ Correct! Well done.

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AI / LLM Basics Interview Questions

What is the purpose of a System Prompt?

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