Difference between using instructions vs system role in input for API responses

API
1

Hi everyone,

In the API’s response call, I’m trying to better understand the difference between providing a context or prompt in the instructions field vs putting it inside the input array using a system role message.

Thanks a lot for your insights!

2

https://platform.openai.com/docs/api-reference/responses/create#responses-create-instructions

Inserts a system (or developer) message as the first item in the model’s context.

When using along with previous_response_id, the instructions from a previous response will not be carried over to the next response. This makes it simple to swap out system (or developer) messages in new responses.

Basically, if you need more control, build you own role message.