Context Injection

The deliberate insertion of information into a model's execution context, such as retrieved data, session state, rules, tool results, or relevant memory. Quality depends on selecting necessary content, preserving provenance, ordering priorities, and keeping untrusted data separate from instructions.

The term describes a legitimate context-engineering operation and should not be confused with prompt injection, which exploits the mixing of data and instructions to redirect a system. Excess context also fails: it raises cost, competes for attention, and can introduce contradictions. Every injected item needs a purpose, scope, and retention policy.