OpenAI has officially renamed the 'system prompt' to 'developer message' in its API, marking a notable change in its messaging framework. This update introduces a new message type, which prioritizes developer instructions above user messages, thereby influencing the model's general behavior and response patterns. The change aims to clarify the origin of instructions, enhancing the model's interpretative capabilities. The transition to 'developer' messaging is designed to maintain backward and forward compatibility, ensuring that existing applications using the API continue to function seamlessly. This renaming reflects OpenAI's ongoing efforts to refine its API and improve user experience, following its initial introduction of the 'system' role that has influenced both open-source and proprietary AI systems.