Creative AI Applications Outweigh Prompt Tricks for Claude
Builders discuss why novel applications matter more than optimization tricks when using Claude and similar AI models.
Entities: Claude, Thariq, Pi
Engineers and AI creators emphasize that newer models like Claude excel at intent and tool use, reducing the need for elaborate prompts. Instead, focus on minimal system prompts containing only preferences and on finding original ways to integrate AI into workflows. This shifts value from prompt engineering tweaks to creative, context-specific deployments that leverage model improvements. The discussion highlights that prompt optimization yields diminishing returns compared to innovative application strategies.
everyone should internalize this all those tricks to make the tool work better aren't going to do much there's way more magic to be found in novel ways to apply the tool to your work
We removed ~80% of the Claude Code system prompt for our newest models, this is what we've learned about writing system prompts, skills and Claude.MDs for them. http://x.com/i/article/2080703729385512960
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2 postsRecommended reading. But none of it is surprising or new. Newer models got better at understanding intent and using tools. The system prompt should store minimal text with your preferences that informs, not replace, model capabilities. This is why, if you use newer models in harnesses like Pi, the experience has improved significantly. Pi pioneered the idea of a minimal system prompt. Overall, the principle to follow is to avoid getting in the way of the model while ensuring it has the right tools and guardrails/access. In practice, keep your tools and skills simple and provide models with richer context (and different modalities where you can afford it and it helps). The biggest challenge I am facing now is evaluation and verifying results. HTML artifacts are brilliant for this and allow me to move faster. But there are new ways I am using to improve the process. Write-up coming soon.
We removed ~80% of the Claude Code system prompt for our newest models, this is what we've learned about writing system prompts, skills and Claude.MDs for them. http://x.com/i/article/2080703729385512960
@thdxr yeah lots more creativity in the prompt for your use case, fewer incantations you can steal from others