Footgun Prompting: Override System Prompts

Footgun Prompting, also known as System Prompt Override, allows advanced users to completely replace the default system prompt for a specific Sypha mode. This provides granular control but bypasses built-in safeguards.

[!CAUTION] footgun (noun): Any feature likely to lead to the programmer shooting themselves in the foot. Modifying core instructions without deep understanding can break tool usage and response consistency.

How It Works

1. Create Override File: Create .sypha/system-prompt-{mode-slug} in your workspace root (e.g., .sypha/system-prompt-code).
2. Content: The text in this file becomes the new system prompt for that mode.
3. Activation: Sypha automatically detects this file and replaces standard sections (tools, rules, capabilities) with your content.
4. Final Construction:

   ${roleDefinition}
   ${content_of_your_override_file}
   ${customInstructions}

How to Access

1. Click the MODE selector in the chat input box.
2. Click Edit... at the bottom of the list.
3. Expand the Advanced: Override System Prompt section.
4. Use the provided link to open or create the override file for the active mode.

Key Considerations

• Audience: Intended for power users familiar with Sypha's prompting architecture.
• Functionality Risk: Overriding standard prompts may disable the AI's ability to use tools correctly or follow core safety/quality rules.
• Mode-Specific: Each file applies only to the mode specified in the filename.
• Fallbacks: If the file is deleted, Sypha reverts to standard system prompts.