A boat-ramp launch-permit tester keeps hidden house rules fixed. For this ask they want a case table with id, step, and expected result. Where should that task and output-format instruction go?
Select an answer to reveal the explanation.
Short Explanation
House rules stay bolted to the dock (system prompt); today’s work order goes on the clipboard you hand over (user prompt). Asking for a case table with id, step, and expected result is this turn’s instruction and format. Keep that ask focused and explicit in the user prompt.
Full Explanation
User prompts should be focused and well-structured, including explicit instructions plus relevant context and output-format guidance for the current ask. Standing house rules remain in the system prompt while the launch-permit tester places the case-table request in the user prompt. Overwriting the system prompt for every format tweak, treating the model as the SUT, or omitting format instructions weakens control of this turn’s output.