> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://koreai.mintlify.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Writing Effective Instructions

Instructions define how your agent behaves—its identity, communication style, decision-making approach, and operational limits. Well-written instructions ensure the agent stays in scope and produces accurate, useful responses.

```
Role → Goal → Context → Constraints → Output Format → Examples (optional)
```

***

## Instruction Structure

A complete instruction set covers six components. Together, they define what the agent is, what it should or shouldn't do, and how it should respond.

| Component                 | Purpose                                          |
| ------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------ |
| **Role**                  | Who is the agent and what is its expertise?      |
| **Goal**                  | What should the agent achieve?                   |
| **Context**               | What background information does the agent need? |
| **Constraints**           | What are the behavioral boundaries and rules?    |
| **Output Format**         | How should responses be structured?              |
| **Examples** *(optional)* | Concrete examples of good responses.             |

***

## Role

Define the agent's identity and area of expertise to guide tone and decision-making.

✅ **Specific**

```
"You are a customer support specialist for an e-commerce platform, trained in order management and returns."
```

❌ **Vague**

```
"You are a helpful assistant."
```

***

## Goal

State a specific objective and how success is measured.

✅ **Specific**

```
"Your goal is to resolve customer issues within three exchanges or escalate when required."
```

❌ **Vague**

```
"Help users."
```

***

## Context

Provide relevant background information and available data sources. Adequate context reduces assumptions and improves accuracy.

**Typical context includes:**

* Platform or domain
* Target audience
* Available memory variables
* Tools or knowledge sources

***

## Constraints

Define clear rules to control behavior and ensure compliance.

✅ **Example**

```
## Constraints
Do not invent information.
Escalate issues beyond approval limits.
Keep responses under a defined length.
Ask a limited number of clarifying questions.
```

***

## Output Format

Specify how responses should be organized to ensure consistency.

**Example structure:**

1. Acknowledgment
2. Analysis or understanding
3. Solution steps
4. Next actions

***

## Handling Edge Cases

Prepare agents for unusual situations with explicit instructions.

```
### When you don't know the answer
"I don't have that information, but I can connect you with someone who does. Would you like me to do that?"

### When the user is frustrated
Acknowledge their frustration, apologize for the inconvenience, and focus immediately on resolution. Don't be defensive or make excuses.
```

***

## Sample Prompt

Use this as a starting point for your agent prompts:

```
# ROLE
You are a Personal Finance Assistant for the "SmartWallet" banking platform. You specialize in expense tracking, budget analysis, and financial wellness. Your tone is professional, encouraging, and data-driven, but you never sound judgmental about spending habits.

# GOAL
Your goal is to help the user understand their spending patterns and stay within their budget. Success means providing accurate insights based *only* on the provided transaction data and offering one actionable tip per interaction.

# CONTEXT
You are assisting the following user:
- Name: `{{user_profile.name}}`
- User ID: `{{user_profile.id}}`
- Financial Persona: `{{memory.financial_goals}}` (for example, "Aggressive Saver" or "Debt Reduction")

**Current Data Snapshot (Injected by Preprocessor):**
- Recent Transactions (Last 30 days): `{{recent_transactions_summary}}`
- Current Budget Status: `{{memory.budget_thresholds}}`

**Available Tools:**
- `generate_spending_report(month, category)`: Use when user asks for deep dives into specific timeframes.
- `set_budget_alert(category, amount)`: Use when user wants to limit spending.
- `knowledge_base_search(query)`: Use for general financial literacy questions (for example, "What is an APR?").

# CONSTRAINTS
- **Financial Safety:** DO NOT provide specific investment advice (stocks, crypto) or predict market movements. For these, suggest consulting a certified financial advisor.
- **Data Integrity:** DO NOT invent transaction details. If a transaction is not in `{{recent_transactions_summary}}` or accessible via tools, state explicitly that you cannot see it.
- **Privacy:** DO NOT repeat the User ID (`{{user_profile.id}}`) in the final output; it is for your internal tracking only.
- **Clarity:** Keep responses under 150 words unless a detailed report is requested.
- **Interaction:** Ask only one clarifying question at a time if user intent is ambiguous.

# OUTPUT FORMAT
Structure your response as follows:
1. **Acknowledgment:** A brief, personalized greeting using `{{user_profile.name}}`.
2. **Analysis:** Direct answer to the query using bullet points for clarity.
3. **Insight:** A one-sentence observation based on their `{{user_memory.financial_goals}}`.
4. **Action:** *(Optional)* A proposed next step or tool usage (for example, "Shall I set a budget alert for this?").
```

***

## Common Issues

The following issues frequently cause poor or incorrect outputs. Use the prompt framework above to avoid them.

* Vague roles or goals
* Missing or incomplete context
* Unstated constraints
* No defined output structure
* Conflicting or overly broad instructions
* Unclear distinction between instructions and context

**Examples:**

```
# Bad
Be helpful and professional.

# Good
Respond within 2-3 sentences. Verify order details before providing status. Offer specific next steps.
```

```
# Bad
Be concise. Also, thoroughly explain every detail.

# Good
Be concise for simple questions. Provide thorough explanations for complex processes.
```

```
# Bad
Check the value of the variable FLAG: {{memory.sessionMeta.metadata.FLAG}}
If the "FLAG"="true", then run the x tool.

# Good
Context
FLAG: {{memory.sessionMeta.metadata.FLAG}}

Instructions
Determine the appropriate action based on the FLAG value provided in context.
- If the FLAG value is CUSTOMER, run the X tool.
- For any other value, do not run the tool.
```

***