
Claude Code Tips & Tricks
A comprehensive guide to Claude Code commands, shortcuts, and advanced techniques to boost your AI programming efficiency
This article covers common commands, shortcuts, and advanced techniques for Claude Code to help you use this AI programming assistant more efficiently.
1. Common Commands
1.1 Basic Commands
# Help command
claude --help
# Check version
claude --version
1.2 MCP Related
# List MCP
claude mcp list
# MCP help
claude mcp --help
1.3 Configuration Related
# Config help
claude config --help
# List configurations
claude config list
1.4 Session Commands
| Command | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
/clear | Clear context | When you need to start fresh, or feel the AI can no longer solve the problem |
/compact | Compress conversation | Restart conversation without losing previous memory |
/cost | Show costs | Max users don’t need this, API users can check their usage |
/login /logout | Login/Logout | Switch accounts etc. |
/model | Switch model | $200 tier can switch to Opus model, $100 tier has no choice |
/status | Status | Check current CC status |
/doctor | Diagnose | Check CC installation status |
2. Auto-Edit Mode
Use Case: When you don’t want to confirm every file creation
How to Use: Press Shift + Tab once to enter this mode
3. Specify Files
Use Case: When you need to operate on a specific file
How to Use: Use the @ symbol to specify files directly
4. Deep Thinking
Use Case: When facing difficult problems, planning solutions, refactoring code, or solving complex bugs
How to Use: Use keywords like ultrathink or think deeply in your prompts
5. Plan Mode
Use Case: When planning projects in early stages or solving complex issues
How to Use: Press Shift + Tab twice to see this option
It will ask if you want to continue:
- If unsatisfied, choose No and continue explaining your requirements
- If it looks good, choose Yes and it will start working
6. Paste Images
Use Case: When adjusting page structure or troubleshooting errors
How to Use:
- On Mac, use
Command + Vto paste images directly - You can also drag and drop image files into the terminal
7. YOLO Mode
Use Case: Refactoring code, new projects, or fixing bugs
How to Use:
claude --dangerously-skip-permissions
💡 After entering this mode, you can still adjust it using the
Shift + Tabshortcut
8. Memory Files
8.1 Global Memory File
Location: ~/.claude/CLAUDE.md
8.2 Project Memory File
Location: CLAUDE.md file in your project directory
💡 For existing projects with code, it’s recommended to use the
/initcommand to auto-generate
9. Use Previous Message Prompts
Use Case: When you want to restore a previous conversation
How to Use: Press Esc twice
10. How to Restore Code
Use Case: When you regret the code changes and want to revert
How to Use:
- Directly ask Claude Code to roll back to the previous version
- Or use Git to revert versions
11. Resume Conversation / View Chat History
How to Use:
# Use /resume command
/resume
# Or use these flags
claude -c # Continue last conversation
claude -r # Resume conversation
12. Execute Terminal Commands
Use Case: Check current directory or execute special commands
How to Use: Use ! (exclamation mark) to enter command mode
# Check current directory
! pwd
# List files
! ll
13. Monitor Usage
# Check usage
npx ccusage@latest
# Real-time usage monitoring
npx ccusage@latest blocks --live
14. Background Service
Use Case: When completing features, Claude Code usually starts a service for accessing interfaces or UI. Without background service capability, Claude Code stays stuck on the service startup screen, preventing other conversation needs.
How to Use: Ctrl + B
15. Other Shortcuts
| Shortcut | Function |
|---|---|
Ctrl + J | New line |
Ctrl + B | Background service |
Shift + Tab | Switch modes (once for auto-edit, twice for Plan mode) |
Esc × 2 | Use previous message prompts |
Summary
Mastering these Claude Code techniques can significantly boost your AI programming efficiency:
- Basic Commands: Familiarize yourself with
/clear,/compact,/status, etc. - Shortcuts: Make good use of
Shift + Tab,Ctrl + B, etc. - Advanced Features: Utilize YOLO mode, deep thinking, Plan mode
- Memory Files: Properly configure global and project-level
CLAUDE.md
Hope this article helps you use Claude Code more effectively!