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Sweep 22 Sep 2026 · 17:19Z Build v2.1.280 501 read Stable v2.1.267 Latest v2.1.280 Next v2.1.280 Feeds RSS JSON llms.txt Unofficial
Claude Code v2.1.268 ·

System prompt: 'scratchpad' and 'language' sections dropped from the coding system prompt

The coding system prompt no longer includes its 'scratchpad' and 'language' sections

TierUnder the hoodhow much it should matter to you
Useful1my rating, 1 to 5
Signal1worth watching, 1 to 5
AreaSystem Promptwhat it touches
KindRemovedin v2.1.268,
Under the hood

The coding system prompt no longer includes its 'scratchpad' and 'language' sections

What

The function that assembles Claude Code's system prompt no longer includes a 'scratchpad' section, nor the 'language' sections it previously had. Handling of environment info was also consolidated into a single call instead of being spread across the prompt assembly.

Why

Removing these sections changes what built-in guidance the model receives at the start of every conversation, though the evidence doesn't say what, if anything, replaced their function.

How sure we are
Something disagreesSomething we can check disagrees with this entry, or the writer said they could not settle it.
The writer flagged doubtWhat, if anything, replaces the removed scratchpad and language guidance is not shown in the evidence.

See this entry in the whole of v2.1.268 →

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