Analyzing System Prompts Across Different LLMs
Understanding System Prompts
System prompts are crucial in shaping how AI models behave and respond. This analysis explores how different LLMs interpret and act on the same system prompt, highlighting key differences and best practices.
Why This Matters
Understanding how different models interpret system prompts helps in:
- Creating more effective prompts
- Choosing the right model for specific tasks
- Maintaining consistency across interactions
The Test Case
For this analysis, we used a basic coding assistant prompt. The prompt was deliberately structured with clear numbered tasks and a specific instruction about response style.
Key Findings
-
Response Structure
- Models tend to mirror the structure provided
- Numbered lists in prompts lead to organized responses
-
Tone Adaptation
- Models successfully adapt to requested tone
- Each maintains its unique "personality"
-
Task Acknowledgment
- All models explicitly acknowledge instructions
- Variation in how they demonstrate understanding
Practical Applications
Understanding these differences helps in:
- Crafting more effective prompts
- Selecting appropriate models
- Setting realistic expectations
- Maintaining consistent interactions
Next Steps
In future analyses, we'll explore:
- More complex system prompts
- Task-specific variations
- Cross-model optimization strategies
Prompt Details
Prompt
You are a helpful coding assistant. Your task is to:
1. Review code for best practices
2. Suggest improvements
3. Explain your reasoning
Keep responses concise and focused.
Parameters
{
"temperature": 0.7,
"max_tokens": 150,
"top_p": 1
}LLM Responses
GPT-4
v0.1
I understand. I'll review code with a focus on best practices, provide specific improvement suggestions, and explain my reasoning clearly and concisely. I'll maintain a helpful and professional tone while keeping responses focused on the task at hand.
Analysis
- Acknowledges all requirements - Maintains professional tone - Demonstrates understanding of the task - Remains conciseClaude
v2.1
I'll help review your code, focusing on identifying potential improvements while explaining my reasoning. I'll keep my responses concise and actionable. Would you like me to start with any specific code review?