10 Best Practices for Using Claude Code

These are the ten practices that transformed Claude Code from a “nice to have” into my primary productivity tool. Each one addresses a common mistake I see professionals make.

1. Be Specific, Not Vague

Bad: “Add tests”

Good: “Write unit tests for user authentication covering successful login, failed login with invalid password, and account lockout after 5 failures. Use Jest, avoid mocks, test against real database.”

Specificity eliminates guesswork. The more context you provide upfront, the fewer iterations you’ll need.

2. Plan Before Coding

Always use the explore → plan → code → commit pattern:

1. “Read the auth module, don’t write code yet”
2. “Think hard about the best approach, create a plan”
3. “Implement the plan we discussed”
4. “Create appropriate commits”

This pattern prevents wasted effort from misunderstood requirements.

3. Use Extended Thinking for Complex Tasks

Thinking budget keywords:

• think - Basic analysis
• think hard - Moderate complexity
• think harder - Significant complexity
• ultrathink - Maximum thoroughness

Complex tasks need thinking time. Simple tasks don’t. Match the budget to the complexity.

4. Clear Context Frequently

Use /clear between unrelated tasks. Better to clear too often than too rarely.

Context accumulates. Old context can confuse new tasks. Fresh starts produce better results.

5. Let Hooks Handle Style

Don’t waste instructions on formatting. Configure hooks instead:

{
  "hooks": {
    "PostToolUse": [{
      "matcher": "Edit|Write",
      "hooks": [{"type": "command", "command": "prettier --write $CLAUDE_FILE_PATHS"}]
    }]
  }
}

Hooks are deterministic. Instructions are hopeful. Use hooks for anything that can be automated.

6. Use Subagents for Verification

Have one Claude write, another review:

1. Claude #1: Writes implementation
2. /clear (fresh context)
3. Claude #2: Reviews with fresh perspective
4. Claude #3: Makes fixes based on review

Fresh eyes catch what tired eyes miss - even artificial ones.

7. Provide Visual Context

For UI work, provide screenshots:

• Design mocks to implement
• Current state for reference
• Expected output

Paste images directly or reference file paths. Visual context eliminates ambiguity.

8. Reference Files Explicitly

Use: “Update src/config/database.ts to add connection pooling”

Not: “Update the database config”

Explicit references prevent wrong-file edits. Use tab-completion to get exact paths.

9. Course Correct Early

• Press Escape to interrupt
• Double-tap Escape to go back and retry
• Ask for plans before implementation

Catching a mistake in progress is faster than fixing it after completion.

10. Iterate on CLAUDE.md

Treat it like prompt engineering:

• Add one guideline at a time
• Test if Claude follows it
• Remove what doesn’t work
• Add emphasis where needed (“IMPORTANT”, “NEVER”, “YOU MUST”)

Your CLAUDE.md affects every session. Optimize it relentlessly.

Quick Reference

Essential Commands

Command	Purpose
/clear	Reset conversation
/compact	Compress context, preserve decisions
/resume	Continue previous session
/rewind	Undo to previous checkpoint
/project:name	Run project command

Keyboard Shortcuts

Shortcut	Action
Escape	Interrupt current operation
Escape Escape	Go back, retry different approach
Shift+Tab	Toggle auto-accept mode
#	Let Claude update files automatically
Tab	File path completion

CLI Flags

Flag	Purpose
-p "prompt"	Headless mode (no REPL)
-c	Continue most recent session
--model opus	Use Opus model
--agent name	Use specific agent

The Bottom Line

These practices share a common thread: reduce ambiguity, maximize clarity, and automate what you can.

Claude Code is powerful. These practices help you use that power consistently.

For the complete guide covering architecture, agents, skills, and workflows, see Claude Code Mastery: The Complete Guide.