Reference · Glossary
System message
Last updated
The API role that sets **global instructions** for the assistant — tone, rules, and scope for the whole chat.
When to use
Every production app: "You are a support bot. Never invent refund amounts."
When not to
Never paste secrets into system text that might leak in logs or client errors.
Example
{"role": "system", "content": "Answer in 3 bullets. Cite the doc."}