system-prompts

To write clear system prompts, use a direct, imperative voice and structure content with tags for optimal placement of critical material. This ensures AI agents process instructions with high precision and reduced ambiguity.

RFC 2119 compliance uses normative language like MUST and SHOULD to define strict behavioral rules in system prompts. You need it when creating SKILL.md files to ensure AI agent definitions are unambiguous and structurally sound.

AI tool documentation benefits from normative language to enforce strict operational boundaries. Applying RFC 2119 standards ensures the agent understands mandatory actions versus optional behaviors, significantly reducing execution errors.

The best way to structure a SKILL.md file is by using tags for organization and positioning critical reference material optimally. This approach maintains prompt density and ensures the agent prioritizes instructions correctly.

To edit system prompts for better density and voice, rewrite instructions to be concise and use a direct, imperative tone. This eliminates filler and ensures the AI agent receives clear, actionable commands.

AI agent prompts fail when lacking normative language and proper tag usage. By applying RFC 2119 standards and structuring prompts with clear density and imperative voice, you enforce strict behavioral boundaries that yield consistent results.