AI Development
Message Roles
The labels that mark who said what in a chat API request: typically system or developer for application instructions, user for end-user input, assistant for model output, and tool for tool results.
In depth
The labels that mark who said what in a chat API request: typically system or developer for application instructions, user for end-user input, assistant for model output, and tool for tool results. OpenAI documents developer messages as taking priority over user messages. Anthropic's Messages API takes instructions in a top-level system field and alternates user and assistant turns, and because these APIs are stateless, every request resends the full role-tagged history.
Primary source: platform.openai.com
Example
In practice, developers reach for Message Roles when they need the capability described above as part of an AI feature or workflow.
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FAQ
Common questions
What is Message Roles?
The labels that mark who said what in a chat API request: typically system or developer for application instructions, user for end-user input, assistant for model output, and tool for tool results.
Why does Message Roles matter for AI developers?
Message Roles sits in the AI Development part of the AI stack. Understanding it helps you make better decisions when building, debugging, and shipping AI features.
Where can I learn more about Message Roles?
Developers Digest publishes tutorials and videos that cover AI Development topics including Message Roles. Check the blog and YouTube channel for hands-on walkthroughs.
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