System Prompt Patterns

Battle-tested patterns for writing effective AI system prompts.

Tech Integration Labs

Author

Jan 13, 2026

15 min read

#prompting #patterns #best-practices

System Prompt Patterns

Effective CLAUDE.md files follow patterns. Here are the ones that work.

The Header Block

Always start with metadata in a blockquote:

> **Project:** Widget Factory
> **Client:** Acme Corp
> **Status:** Active
> **Last Updated:** 2026-01-15

This gives Claude instant context before reading anything else.

The Command Table

List available commands in a table:

| Command | Description |
|---------|-------------|
| /status | Show project status |
| /brief  | Generate client brief |
| /intake | Process new files |

Tables are scannable. Claude can find commands quickly.

The Context Section

Provide relevant context, not everything:

## Current Focus

This week we're completing the authentication module.
Key decisions pending: OAuth provider choice.

## Key Contacts

- John Smith (Acme) - Technical lead
- Jane Doe (Internal) - Project manager

The Reference Links

Point to deeper context:

## References

- Full requirements: `./_context/requirements.md`
- Decision log: `./_context/decisions.md`
- Meeting notes: `./_context/meetings/`

Don't duplicate - reference.

Anti-Patterns

Too Much Context

If your CLAUDE.md is 1000+ lines, split it. Use references.

Stale Information

Update weekly. Stale context is worse than no context.

Generic Content

"This is a project folder" tells Claude nothing. Be specific.

Conclusion

Good prompts are clear, current, and contextual. Follow these patterns and Claude will understand your folders instantly.

Try It Yourself

Copy this to improve your existing CLAUDE.md files:

Review and improve the CLAUDE.md files in my project.

**Scope:**
1. Which folder should I review? (current project / specific path / all)
2. What's the primary purpose of this context? (code development / project management / client work)

I will:
- Read existing CLAUDE.md files
- Identify missing patterns (header block, command table, references)
- Check for stale information
- Suggest specific improvements
- Optionally: implement the improvements directly

Point me to your CLAUDE.md files.

Tech Integration Labs

Building AI-powered systems and sharing what I learn along the way. Founder at Tech Integration Labs.

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