Claude Code Usage Tips

1. Clear and Specific Instructions

The quality of AI assistance directly correlates with the clarity of your instructions. Instead of vague requests, provide specific details about what you want to achieve.

Poor Example:

Create a login form

Good Example:

Create a React login form component with:
- Email and password fields
- Client-side validation
- Loading state during submission
- Error message display
- Accessibility features (ARIA labels)
- Styled with Tailwind CSS

2. Iterative Development

Don't try to generate everything in one go. Break complex tasks into smaller, manageable pieces and iterate.

1. Start with a basic implementation
2. Test and identify what needs improvement
3. Ask for specific enhancements
4. Repeat until satisfied

3. Context Matters

Provide relevant context about your project, tech stack, and constraints. This helps Claude generate more appropriate code.

Context: Next.js 14 app with TypeScript, using App Router
Task: Create a server component that fetches and displays user data

4. Code Review Partnership

Use Claude as a code review partner. Share your code and ask for:

• Potential bugs or edge cases
• Performance optimizations
• Security vulnerabilities
• Code style improvements
• Best practices alignment

5. Learning and Explanation

Don't just copy-paste code. Ask Claude to explain:

• Why certain approaches were chosen
• Trade-offs between different solutions
• How specific code sections work
• Related concepts you should understand

6. Prompt Templates

Develop reusable prompt templates for common tasks:

Bug Fix Template:

Bug: [Describe the issue]
Expected: [What should happen]
Actual: [What's happening]
Code: [Paste relevant code]
Stack trace: [If applicable]

Feature Implementation Template:

Feature: [Name]
Requirements:
- [Requirement 1]
- [Requirement 2]
Tech constraints: [Any limitations]
Similar to: [Reference if applicable]

7. Verification and Testing

Always verify AI-generated code:

• Run the code in your environment
• Write or generate tests
• Check for security issues
• Validate against requirements
• Review for maintainability

8. Collaborative Debugging

When debugging with Claude:

1. Provide complete error messages
2. Include relevant code context
3. Describe what you've already tried
4. Ask for step-by-step debugging approach

9. Performance Considerations

For performance-critical code:

• Ask for Big O analysis
• Request benchmarking code
• Discuss space/time trade-offs
• Consider multiple implementations

10. Continuous Improvement

Keep a log of successful prompts and patterns. Build your personal library of effective ways to work with AI assistants.

Remember

Claude Code is a tool to augment your capabilities, not replace your judgment. Always apply your expertise, review generated code critically, and maintain ownership of your architectural decisions.