system-prompts

Design XML-tagged system prompts and agent definitions for AI assistants.

5|Updated Feb 8, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/tiancaiamao/ai --skill system-prompts-tiancaiamao
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: system-prompts
Source: https://github.com/tiancaiamao/ai/tree/main/skills/system-prompts
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/tiancaiamao/ai --skill system-prompts-tiancaiamao

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps you design clear, reliable system prompts, tool documentation, and agent definitions for AI assistants, reducing ambiguity and improving task performance.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Prompt Engineering Guidance: Apply research-backed techniques for instruction placement, persistence, verification, and concise wording.
  • XML Prompt Structure: Use consistent tags for roles, procedures, directives, examples, and constraints.
  • Agent and Tool Specs: Create reusable templates for agent definitions and tool docs with strong guardrails.
  • Use Case: A developer building an AI coding agent can use this Skill to write a system prompt that tells the model how to plan, verify outputs, and follow strict operational rules.

Quick Start

Ask the skill to draft a reusable XML-tagged system prompt for an AI coding agent, including role, directives, procedure steps, and critical constraints.

Frequently Asked Questions about system-prompts

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I write a system prompt for an AI coding agent?

System prompt design uses XML tags to structure roles, directives, procedure steps, and constraints for AI agents. This approach reduces ambiguity and improves task performance by applying research-backed techniques for instruction placement and anti-pattern avoidance.

What is the best way to structure system prompts using XML tags?

The best way to structure XML tags in system prompts is to apply consistent tags for roles, procedures, directives, examples, and constraints. This reusable template structure ensures instruction persistence and reduces ambiguity for AI assistants.

How does instruction placement affect prompt engineering for AI assistants?

Instruction placement affects prompt engineering by applying research-backed techniques to ensure high-impact directives persist throughout the AI assistant's workflow. Strategic placement reduces ambiguity and improves task performance for coding agents and structured workflows.

Can I create reusable agent definitions and tool documentation with this approach?

Yes, you can create reusable templates for agent definitions and tool documentation with strong guardrails. This approach applies role-based instruction design and XML-tagged prompt structure to ensure reliable task performance across structured workflows.

When do I need XML-tagged prompt structure for coding agents?

You need XML-tagged prompt structure for coding agents when building reliable AI assistants that must plan, verify outputs, and follow strict operational rules. This structure reduces ambiguity in tool documentation and role-based instruction design.

Why does my AI assistant ignore critical constraints in the system prompt?

Your AI assistant might ignore critical constraints due to poor instruction placement and prompt anti-patterns. Applying research-backed techniques like XML-tagged structure and high-impact instruction placement ensures persistence and verification of operational rules.