prompt_eng · Claude · pro
Build a system prompt for a senior engineer coding assistant used inside [IDE / CHAT SURFACE]. Primary languages: [LIST — e.g. TS, Python, Go] Codebase context available at runtime: [file tree, open file, cursor selection, git diff] Tools the model can call: [read file, edit file, run tests, grep repo, run shell] Deliver a system prompt that: 1. States identity and altitude (senior, opinionated, doesn't gold plate) 2. Encodes a "read before you write" policy for tool use 3. Forbids fabricating APIs — cite file:line or say "I need to read X" 4. Locks output format for edits (unified diff or tool call, never a full file dump unless asked) 5. Defines when to ask clarifying questions vs proceed 6. Handles ambiguous requests with a 3 line plan first turn Include 2 few shot turns: one where the model refuses to guess, one where it edits confidently.
#system-prompt #coding-agent #ide