Quickstart

A progressive introduction to Claude Code's key features.

1. Simple Prompts

Start Claude and ask a question:

claude

Then in the chat:

What files are in this directory?

Claude will use the ls command and show you the files.

2. Reasoning Mode

For complex problems, Claude shows its reasoning:

Think ultra hard and design a database schema for a multi-tenant SaaS application

You'll see Claude's thinking process as it considers requirements, relationships, and trade-offs before presenting the schema.

3. Planning Mode

For multi-step tasks, use planning mode with Shift+Tab:

[Press Shift+Tab to enter plan mode]
Scaffold a nodejs, typescript REST API with authentication

Claude will create a detailed plan before executing. Review the plan, then approve to proceed.

4. Memory

Create persistent instructions for your project. See official memory documentation.

Initialize memory:

/init

Add project context:

# We use PostgreSQL with Prisma ORM
# Follow REST API conventions
# All endpoints require authentication

These memories persist across sessions.

5. Using Subagents

Delegate work to manage context or run tasks in parallel. See official subagent documentation.

Use a subagent to analyze all test files and summarize coverage gaps

Subagents work in separate context windows. Only their final response affects your main context.

6. Output Styles

Control how Claude responds:

/output-style concise
Fix the authentication bug

Claude will give you just the fix without explanation.

7. Adding MCP Servers

Extend Claude with additional capabilities:

# Add Playwright for browser automation
claude mcp add playwright https://mcp.playwright.dev/v1/sse -s user

Then use it:

Take a screenshot of example.com

Putting It Together

A real workflow combining features:

cl

[Initialize project memory]
/init

# TypeScript project with strict mode
# Use functional programming patterns

[Plan complex feature]
Shift+Tab
Design and implement a rate limiting system

[After implementation, delegate testing]
Use a subagent to generate comprehensive tests for the rate limiter

[Quick fix with concise output]
/output-style concise
Add JSDoc comments to the exported functions

Next Steps

• Opinionated Workflow → - Systematic development with developer-tools-mcp
• Using Subagents → - Advanced delegation patterns
• Official Documentation - Complete Claude Code reference