System prompt

Override or extend the built-in instructions.

Docs on GitHub

Drop a SYSTEM.md in $ZOT_HOME to replace the built-in identity and zot-docs guidance for every run. Per-invocation, --system-prompt still wins; delete the file to revert to the default.

Custom prompts still receive appended instructions and generated context, including AGENTS.md, skills, auto-swarm guidance when enabled, and the date and working-directory footer. Use --no-context-files to omit AGENTS.md instructions for one run.

Use --append-system-prompt (repeatable) to layer extra instructions on top without blowing the default away.