Understanding the Differences Between Prompt and Context in AI Tasks

AJ C. · 2025-02-19 10:43:15.293327+00

What's exactly the difference/use case for AI prompting between *Prompt* VS *Context first task "System prompt"* Seems like the same thing - I usually just put the entire context and task details in prompt

Understanding the Differences Between Prompt and Context in AI Tasks | Clay

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The key differences between "Prompt" and "System Prompt" in Clay are: Prompt: ** Used for specific task instructions ** Contains the actual request or query you want the AI to process ** Can include dynamic variables with / to personalize for different inputs ** Focuses on what you want the AI to do in that specific instance System Prompt: ** Optional but helpful feature ** Sets the overall context and behavior of the AI for the entire task ** Helps the AI understand the bigger picture and reasoning behind the request ** Defines the AI's role and approach to the task Think of the System Prompt as setting the stage and general parameters, while the Prompt provides the specific instructions for each task. Using both together can help ensure more accurate and contextually appropriate responses from the AI.
Sources: Prompt Engineering Crash Course [Clay 101] - Clay University Use AI integration overview | Documentation | Clay University
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AJ C.
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I usually put everything in prompt, and start out with -- "you are "ROLE" and your goal is to _____" Should that be in system prompt instead, or doesn't matter?
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While both approaches can work, it's recommended to put your role and goal definitions in the System Prompt. The System Prompt is specifically designed to set the overall context and behavior of the AI for the entire task. This helps the AI understand the bigger picture and reasoning behind all subsequent requests. The regular Prompt field should be reserved for specific task instructions and the actual request you want the AI to process. While the System Prompt is optional, using it to define the AI's role and approach can help guide the AI to respond more consistently throughout the task.
Sources: Use AI integration overview | Documentation | Clay University Prompt Engineering Crash Course [Limitless Research] - Clay University
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Jorge M.
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Good question
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The key differences between "Prompt" and "System Prompt" in Clay are: Prompt: ** Used for specific task instructions ** Contains the actual request or query you want the AI to process ** Can include dynamic variables with / to personalize for different inputs ** Focuses on what you want the AI to do in that specific instance System Prompt: ** Optional but helpful feature ** Sets the overall context and behavior of the AI for the entire task ** Helps the AI understand the bigger picture and reasoning behind the request ** Defines the AI's role and approach to the task Think of the System Prompt as setting the stage and general parameters, while the Prompt provides the specific instructions for each task. Using both together can help ensure more accurate and contextually appropriate responses from the AI.
Sources: Prompt Engineering Crash Course [Clay 101] - Clay University Use AI integration overview | Documentation | Clay University
Channeled
APP
·
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Did that answer your question?
AJ C.
·
·
I usually put everything in prompt, and start out with -- "you are "ROLE" and your goal is to _____" Should that be in system prompt instead, or doesn't matter?
Channeled
APP
·
·
While both approaches can work, it's recommended to put your role and goal definitions in the System Prompt. The System Prompt is specifically designed to set the overall context and behavior of the AI for the entire task. This helps the AI understand the bigger picture and reasoning behind all subsequent requests. The regular Prompt field should be reserved for specific task instructions and the actual request you want the AI to process. While the System Prompt is optional, using it to define the AI's role and approach can help guide the AI to respond more consistently throughout the task.
Sources: Use AI integration overview | Documentation | Clay University Prompt Engineering Crash Course [Limitless Research] - Clay University
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Was that helpful?
Channeled
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Great! I'm here if you need any further assistance.
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Hi AJ C.! This thread was recently closed by our Support team. If you have a moment, please share your feedback:
Jorge M.
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Good question
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I'm glad you found it helpful! I'm here if you have any more questions.
Channeled
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This thread was picked up by our in-app web widget and will no longer sync to Slack. If you are the original poster, you can continue this conversation by logging into https://app.clay.com and clicking "Support" in the sidebar. If you're not the original poster and require help from support, please post in 02 Support.