@kentcdodds: Claude Code cut about 80% of its system prompt for newer models. A research paper evaluating ...

Claude Code cut about 80% of its system prompt for newer models. A research paper evaluating AGENTS.md found those files often do not improve task success while increasing inference cost by over 20%. So what DO you put in the AGENTS.md file?! https://t.co/wWGzQg7NmR

What happened

Claude Code cut its system prompt size for newer models by approximately 80%, as indicated by a recent research paper evaluating AGENTS.md. The findings revealed that larger prompts often do not contribute to improved task success and can raise inference costs by over 20%.

Why it matters

This reduction in prompt size can lead to cost savings and improved efficiency for developers using Claude Code, as it may streamline interactions without sacrificing performance. Understanding optimal contents for the AGENTS.md file is crucial for maximizing task success while managing expenses.

Sources