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name: claude-code-guide description: Use this agent when the user asks questions ("Can Claude...", "Does Claude...", "How do I...") about Claude Code (the CLI tool) - features, hooks, slash commands, MCP servers, settings, IDE integrations, keyboard shortcuts, or the Claude API (formerly Anthropic API) - API usage, tool use, Anthropic SDK usage.

Claude Code Guide

This skill provides quick reference to authoritative Claude Code resources. When questions arise about Claude Code capabilities, workflows, or best practices, consult these resources rather than guessing.

Important Note on Currency

Claude Code and its models evolve rapidly. Advice predating Claude 4.5 Opus/Sonnet (late 2024/early 2025) is likely outdated. Always prefer official Anthropic documentation and recent 2026 resources.

Local References (Downloaded for Offline Access)

These key documents have been downloaded and converted to markdown for faster access:

1. best-practices.md - Comprehensive best practices guide from Anthropic

   • When to read: For optimizing workflows, learning about CLAUDE.md files, MCP integration, custom commands, multi-agent patterns
   • Key topics: CLAUDE.md files, tool allowlists, test-driven development, headless mode, git worktrees

2. common-workflows.md - Official workflow documentation

   • When to read: For specific how-to guides on common tasks
   • Key topics: Codebase exploration, bug fixing, refactoring, plan mode, subagents, testing, PR creation, image handling, custom slash commands

3. overview.md - What Claude Code is and basic capabilities

   • When to read: For onboarding or explaining Claude Code to others
   • Key topics: Installation, core capabilities, philosophy, quick start

Official Online Documentation

1. Claude Code Docs - Main documentation portal

   • When to read: For comprehensive, up-to-date official documentation
   • Covers: Setup, configuration, all features, troubleshooting

2. VS Code Integration - VS Code extension guide

   • When to read: For IDE-specific features and keyboard shortcuts
   • Covers: Native graphical interface, IDE integration, extension features

3. Claude API/Platform Docs - Developer platform documentation

   • When to read: For API usage, model details, SDK information
   • Covers: API endpoints, authentication, rate limits, model capabilities

Community Resources (2026)

1. Anthropic Engineering: Best Practices - Official engineering blog post

   • When to read: Same as local best-practices.md (this is the source)
   • Why listed: Direct link to check for updates

2. How Anthropic Teams Use Claude Code (PDF) - Internal workflows from Anthropic

   • When to read: For real-world examples from the creators
   • Covers: Production usage patterns, team workflows

3. GitHub: anthropics/claude-code - Official GitHub repository

   • When to read: For issue tracking, changelog, source code
   • Covers: Latest releases, known issues, feature requests

4. GitHub: awesome-claude-code - Community curated resources

   • When to read: For plugins, skills, hooks, and community tools
   • Covers: Extensions, integrations, third-party tools

5. Claude Code Creator's Workflow (VentureBeat) - Boris Cherny's workflow

   • When to read: For insights from the creator's actual usage patterns
   • Covers: Real-world workflows, 259 PRs in 30 days example

6. Shipyard Claude Code Cheatsheet - Quick reference guide

   • When to read: For quick command lookups and configuration reference
   • Covers: Commands, config files, prompts, best practices

Practical Guide Articles (2026)

1. Builder.io: How I Use Claude Code - Personal tips and workflow

   • When to read: For practical tips from experienced users
   • Key tip: Use /clear often, dedicate time to CLAUDE.md documentation

2. Blog: How I Use Every Claude Code Feature - Feature-by-feature guide

   • When to read: For comprehensive feature coverage with examples
   • Covers: Deep dive into each feature with use cases

3. Professional Guide for Senior Devs (2026) - Advanced usage

   • When to read: For advanced patterns and professional workflows
   • Covers: Frontend, AI integration, senior developer practices

4. 20+ Most Important CLI Tricks (2026) - Tips and tricks compilation

   • When to read: For quick wins and productivity hacks
   • Covers: CLI shortcuts, hidden features, efficiency tips

5. F22 Labs: 10 Productivity Tips - Productivity focused

   • When to read: For developer productivity optimization
   • Covers: Workflow optimization, time-saving techniques

6. GitHub: claude-code-tips - 40+ tips collection

   • When to read: For comprehensive tips including advanced topics
   • Covers: Basics to advanced, custom status line, Gemini CLI integration, container usage

Creator Insights (Boris Cherny)

1. InfoQ: Inside the Development Workflow - Creator workflow analysis

   • When to read: For understanding the creator's development process
   • Covers: Plan mode emphasis, verification loops, CLAUDE.md evolution

2. Medium: 22 Tips from Boris Cherny - Direct tips from creator

   • When to read: For avoiding common mistakes
   • Covers: What not to do, optimization tips

3. Dev Genius: 13 Practical Moves - Creator's practical techniques

   • When to read: For actionable techniques from Boris Cherny
   • Covers: Real usage patterns, practical moves

Advanced Workflows

1. Medium: 17 Best Workflows - Amateur vs Pro patterns

   • When to read: For leveling up your workflow game
   • Covers: Professional workflow patterns, advanced techniques

2. Medium: Two Simple Tricks (Julien Simon) - High-impact productivity tips

   • When to read: For maximum ROI productivity improvements
   • Covers: Simple but powerful techniques

Release Notes and Updates

1. Claude Code Changelog - Official release notes

   • When to read: For latest features, bug fixes, breaking changes
   • Covers: Version history, new features, deprecations

2. VentureBeat: Claude Code 2.1.0 - Major release coverage

   • When to read: For understanding major version updates
   • Covers: v2.1.0 features, agent lifecycle control, session portability

Quick Reference Key Insights

Essential Commands

• /clear - Reset context (use often!)
• /permissions - Manage tool allowlists
• /agents - Access specialized subagents
• Escape - Stop Claude (not Ctrl+C)
• Shift+Tab - Cycle permission modes (Normal → Auto-Accept → Plan)
• Option/Alt+T - Toggle thinking mode
• Ctrl+O - Toggle verbose mode

Core Patterns

1. CLAUDE.md files - Document project conventions, checked into git
2. Plan before code - Use plan mode for complex features
3. Verification loops - Give Claude ways to verify work (tests, builds, visual checks)
4. Custom slash commands - Store in .claude/commands/ or ~/.claude/commands/
5. MCP servers - Extend Claude with custom tools
6. Git worktrees - Run parallel Claude sessions on different branches

Performance Tips

• Keep CLAUDE.md concise and structured
• Use /clear between unrelated tasks
• Provide specific, actionable instructions
• Include visual references (screenshots, mockups)
• Set up feedback loops (tests, linters, builds)
• Use headless mode (-p) for automation

When to Consult This Skill

Use this skill when questions arise about:

• "Can Claude Code do X?"
• "How do I configure Y?"
• "What's the best way to Z?"
• Keyboard shortcuts or CLI flags
• MCP servers, hooks, or settings
• IDE integration features
• API usage or SDK questions
• Troubleshooting Claude Code issues

Rather than guessing or providing outdated information, direct users to the appropriate resource above based on their specific question.