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94 lines
3.6 KiB
Markdown
94 lines
3.6 KiB
Markdown
# System Prompt Override (GEMINI_SYSTEM_MD)
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The core system instructions that guide Gemini CLI can be completely replaced
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with your own Markdown file. This feature is controlled via the
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`GEMINI_SYSTEM_MD` environment variable.
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## Overview
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The `GEMINI_SYSTEM_MD` variable instructs the CLI to use an external Markdown
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file for its system prompt, completely overriding the built-in default. This is
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a full replacement, not a merge. If you use a custom file, none of the original
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core instructions will apply unless you include them yourself.
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This feature is intended for advanced users who need to enforce strict,
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project-specific behavior or create a customized persona.
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> Tip: You can export the current default system prompt to a file first, review
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> it, and then selectively modify or replace it (see
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> [“Export the default prompt”](#export-the-default-prompt-recommended)).
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## How to enable
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You can set the environment variable temporarily in your shell, or persist it
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via a `.gemini/.env` file. See
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[Persisting Environment Variables](../get-started/authentication.md#persisting-environment-variables).
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- Use the project default path (`.gemini/system.md`):
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- `GEMINI_SYSTEM_MD=true` or `GEMINI_SYSTEM_MD=1`
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- The CLI reads `./.gemini/system.md` (relative to your current project
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directory).
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- Use a custom file path:
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- `GEMINI_SYSTEM_MD=/absolute/path/to/my-system.md`
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- Relative paths are supported and resolved from the current working
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directory.
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- Tilde expansion is supported (e.g., `~/my-system.md`).
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- Disable the override (use built‑in prompt):
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- `GEMINI_SYSTEM_MD=false` or `GEMINI_SYSTEM_MD=0` or unset the variable.
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If the override is enabled but the target file does not exist, the CLI will
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error with: `missing system prompt file '<path>'`.
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## Quick examples
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- One‑off session using a project file:
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- `GEMINI_SYSTEM_MD=1 gemini`
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- Persist for a project using `.gemini/.env`:
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- Create `.gemini/system.md`, then add to `.gemini/.env`:
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- `GEMINI_SYSTEM_MD=1`
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- Use a custom file under your home directory:
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- `GEMINI_SYSTEM_MD=~/prompts/SYSTEM.md gemini`
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## UI indicator
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When `GEMINI_SYSTEM_MD` is active, the CLI shows a `|⌐■_■|` indicator in the UI
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to signal custom system‑prompt mode.
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## Export the default prompt (recommended)
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Before overriding, export the current default prompt so you can review required
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safety and workflow rules.
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- Write the built‑in prompt to the project default path:
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- `GEMINI_WRITE_SYSTEM_MD=1 gemini`
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- Or write to a custom path:
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- `GEMINI_WRITE_SYSTEM_MD=~/prompts/DEFAULT_SYSTEM.md gemini`
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This creates the file and writes the current built‑in system prompt to it.
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## Best practices: SYSTEM.md vs GEMINI.md
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- SYSTEM.md (firmware):
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- Non‑negotiable operational rules: safety, tool‑use protocols, approvals, and
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mechanics that keep the CLI reliable.
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- Stable across tasks and projects (or per project when needed).
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- GEMINI.md (strategy):
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- Persona, goals, methodologies, and project/domain context.
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- Evolves per task; relies on SYSTEM.md for safe execution.
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Keep SYSTEM.md minimal but complete for safety and tool operation. Keep
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GEMINI.md focused on high‑level guidance and project specifics.
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## Troubleshooting
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- Error: `missing system prompt file '…'`
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- Ensure the referenced path exists and is readable.
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- For `GEMINI_SYSTEM_MD=1|true`, create `./.gemini/system.md` in your project.
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- Override not taking effect
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- Confirm the variable is loaded (use `.gemini/.env` or export in your shell).
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- Paths are resolved from the current working directory; try an absolute path.
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- Restore defaults
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- Unset `GEMINI_SYSTEM_MD` or set it to `0`/`false`.
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