
Tech • IA • Crypto
The evolution of prompt systems from Claude 4.6 to 4.7 reveals a major shift in how AI models handle search and decision-making logic.
The system relies on dozens of pages of instructions, up to 50 pages for version 4.7. These documents precisely define model behavior, using short, directive, almost technical sentences, closer to a programming language than natural text.
Each request is processed according to three core questions: what context to retrieve, what action to execute (tool or function), and how to verify the relevance of the result. This structure forms the core of so-called “agentic” systems, capable of decision-making and automation.
Version 4.7 enforces a key rule: perform a search before every factual question. In 4.6, this step was only triggered if internal knowledge was considered outdated. This change increases token usage but improves the reliability and freshness of responses.
Models use dedicated functions to collect information: web search, file reading, image analysis, or data extraction. This mechanism feeds decision-making and determines when available tools are activated.
Tool usage relies on detailed descriptions and activation conditions. Each word in a query can influence the activation of specific neurons, inherited from model training, and trigger particular behaviors.
Some functions simulate a full computing environment, such as a Linux Ubuntu system, with storage in virtual directories like /mnt/user/data/output. The model must anticipate and structure its actions as if executing real code.
The system distinguishes three possible responses: yes, no, or maybe with redirection. Refusals notably cover copyright, access to sensitive data, or limits related to the knowledge cutoff. An intermediate zone handles ambiguous cases.
Unlike previous versions, Claude 4.7 can trigger an “End conversation” function under certain conditions, especially in cases of attempts to extract sensitive data. This evolution addresses security concerns related to chatbot attacks.
Performance differences between 4.6 and 4.7 remain small, around 2% according to benchmarks. However, how prompts are written and structured radically transforms model behavior, highlighting the strategic importance of prompt engineering.
The transition to Claude 4.7 marks a turning point in AI design, where prompt structuring and search logic now matter as much as the model’s raw performance.