### **Claude Code Guide**
> This comprehensive guide covers **every discoverable Claude Code command** as of June 2025,
> including many features that are not widely known or documented in basic tutorials.
**This represents the most complete Claude Code command reference available.**
---
*For updates and contributions, visit the [official Claude Code documentation](https://claude.ai/code)*
[](https://claude.ai/code)
[](https://github.com/anthropics/claude-code)
[](https://claude.ai/code)
# Visit: [https://zebbern.github.io/](https://zebbern.github.io/) for more detailed info!
| Section | Status |
|---------------------------------------------|------------------------------|
| Guides on how to install on Windows, Linux, MacOS | ✅ |
| Tips and Tricks | ✅ |
| MCP Overview with what to use | ✅ |
| Community Guides | ✅ |
| Troubleshooting | ✅ |
| How to use Claude code the most optimal way| ✅ |
### I Usually Start my Claude with Claude --dangerously-skip-permissions only use this if you know exactly what ur doing!
---
## Quick Start
```bash
# Quick Installment
## Method 1 – NPM (global) ⭐️ Official
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
# Requires Node 18+ on macOS / Linux / WSL :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
## Method 2 – Homebrew Tap (macOS & Linux) *️⃣
brew install anthropic/tap/claude-code
# Formula contributed by the community :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
## Method 3 – Arch Linux AUR *️⃣
yay -S claude-code # or paru -S claude-code
# Keeps pace with npm releases :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
## Method 4 – Docker (containerised) *️⃣
docker pull ghcr.io/rchgrav/claudebox:latest
docker run -it -v "$PWD":"$PWD" -w "$PWD" \
ghcr.io/rchgrav/claudebox:latest
# Nice when you can’t touch the host system :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
## Method 5 – Windows via WSL (Anthropic-recommended path)
# 1) Enable WSL 2 and install Ubuntu
# 2) Inside Ubuntu:
sudo apt update && sudo apt install -y nodejs npm
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
# Step-by-step guide :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
## Method 6 – Build from source (any OS) *️⃣
git clone https://github.com/anthropics/claude-code.git
cd claude-code && pnpm install && pnpm build
pnpm --filter cli run cli:install
# Handy for cutting-edge commits or local patches :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
# Interactive Mode
claude # Start interactive REPL
claude "your question" # Start with initial prompt
# One-Shot Mode
claude -p "analyze this" # Quick query and exit
cat file | claude -p "fix" # Process piped content
# Management
claude config # Configure settings
claude update # Update to latest
claude mcp # Setup MCP servers
```
## 🚀 Installation & Setup
**System Requirements:**
- Node.js 16+ or standalone binary
- API key from Anthropic
- 4GB RAM minimum (8GB+ recommended for large projects)
- Internet connection for API calls
**Supported Platforms:**
- macOS (Intel/Apple Silicon)
- Linux (Ubuntu 18+, Debian 10+, CentOS 7+)
- Windows 10/11 (WSL recommended)
### Installation Methods
#### Method 1: NPM Installation (Verified ✅)
```bash
# Install globally - CORRECT PACKAGE NAME
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
# Verify installation
claude --version
```
### Initial Setup
#### 1. API Key Configuration (Verified ✅)
```bash
# Required: Get your API key from https://console.anthropic.com
export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY="sk-your-key-here"
# Make permanent (choose your shell)
# Bash
echo 'export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY="sk-your-key-here"' >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc
# Zsh
echo 'export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY="sk-your-key-here"' >> ~/.zshrc
source ~/.zshrc
# Fish
echo 'set -gx ANTHROPIC_API_KEY "sk-your-key-here"' >> ~/.config/fish/config.fish
```
#### 2. Basic Configuration (Mostly Verified ✅)
```bash
# Interactive setup
claude config
# Set basic defaults
claude config set -g model claude-sonnet-4
claude config set -g verbose true
claude config set -g outputFormat text
# Test installation
claude "Hello, Claude!"
claude /doctor
```
#### 3. Settings i Turn Off
```bash
export DISABLE_TELEMETRY=1
export DISABLE_ERROR_REPORTING=1
export DISABLE_NON_ESSENTIAL_MODEL_CALLS=1
# Security defaults
claude config set allowedTools "Edit,View"
claude config set hasTrustDialogAccepted
claude config set hasCompletedProjectOnboarding
claude config set ignorePatterns
claude config set --global
```
### Health Check & Testing
```bash
# Basic functionality test
claude "Explain what you can do"
# Print mode test
claude -p "What is 2+2?"
# Tool permission test
claude "Create a file called test.txt with 'Hello World'"
# Should prompt for Edit permission
# Session continuity test
claude -c # Should continue from previous session
```
# health check
```
claude /doctor
Expected output might include:
# ✅ API Key: Valid
# ✅ Network: Connected
# ✅ Model Access: Available
# Also check if everything is correct at
~/claude/local/package-lock.json
```
---
## 🔌 MCP Integration
### Understanding MCP (Model Context Protocol)
**What is MCP?**
MCP extends Claude's capabilities by connecting to external services, databases, APIs, and tools.
**MCP Architecture:**
```
Claude Code ←→ MCP Protocol ←→ MCP Servers ←→ External Services
```
### MCP Setup & Configuration
#### Basic MCP Commands
```bash
claude mcp # Interactive MCP configuration
claude mcp list # List configured servers
claude mcp add # Add new server
claude mcp remove # Remove server
```
#### MCP Configuration File
**Location**:`~/.claude.json`
### Scope-Based Configuration Files
User/Global Scope:
Global MCP servers are configured in `~/.claude-code/mcp/global.json`
Project Scope:
Project-scoped servers are stored in a `.mcp.json` file at your project's root directory
```json
{
"mcpServers": {
"git": {
"command": "git-mcp-server",
"args": [],
"env": {}
},
"postgres": {
"command": "postgres-mcp-server",
"args": ["--host", "localhost", "--port", "5432"],
"env": {
"POSTGRES_USER": "developer",
"POSTGRES_PASSWORD": "dev_password",
"POSTGRES_DB": "myapp_development"
}
}
}
}
```
### MCP Servers
**Note**: The exact package names and installation commands below may not be accurate. Consult official MCP documentation for current server packages.
#### Development Tools
```bash
# npm install -g git-mcp-server
# claude mcp add git "git-mcp-server"
# claude mcp add github "github-mcp-server --token $GITHUB_TOKEN"
```
#### Database Integration
```bash
npm install -g postgres-mcp-server
npm install -g mysql-mcp-server
npm install -g sqlite-mcp-server
# Setup examples
# export POSTGRES_URL="postgresql://user:password@localhost:5432/mydb"
# claude mcp add postgres "postgres-mcp-server --url $POSTGRES_URL"
```
### MCP Tool Permissions
```bash
# Allow specific MCP tools
claude --allowedTools "mcp__git__commit,mcp__git__push"
# Allow all tools from specific server
claude --allowedTools "mcp__postgres__*"
# Combined with built-in tools
claude --allowedTools "Edit,View,mcp__git__*"
```
---
## ⌨️ Commands Reference
### CLI Commands
#### Core Commands
| Command | Description | Example | Status |
|---------|-------------|---------|--------|
| `claude` | Start interactive REPL | `claude` |
| `claude "query"` | REPL with initial prompt | `claude "help debug this"` |
| `claude -p "query"` | One-shot query (print mode) | `claude -p "explain function"` |
#### Session Management
| Command | Description | Example | Status |
|---------|-------------|---------|--------|
| `claude -c` | Continue last session | `claude -c` |
| `claude -r ` | Resume specific session | `claude -r abc123` |
| `claude --resume ` | Resume named session | `claude --resume project-review` |
#### Configuration Management
| Command | Description | Example | Status |
|---------|-------------|---------|--------|
| `claude config` | Interactive configuration | `claude config` |
| `claude config list` | List all settings | `claude config list` |
| `claude config get ` | Get specific value | `claude config get model` |
| `claude config set ` | Set value | `claude config set model sonnet` |
### CLI Flags & Options
#### Essential Flags
| Flag | Short | Description | Example |
|------|-------|-------------|---------|
| `--print` | `-p` | Print response without interactive mode | `claude -p "help"` |
| `--continue` | `-c` | Load most recent conversation | `claude -c` |
| `--help` | `-h` | Show help information | `claude --help` |
| `--version` | `-v` | Show version | `claude --version` |
#### Output Control Flags
| Flag | Options | Description | Example |
|------|---------|-------------|---------|
| `--output-format` | `text`, `json`, `stream-json` | Control response format | `claude -p "help" --output-format json` |
| `--json` | - | Shorthand for JSON output | `claude -p "analyze" --json` |
#### Security & Permission Flags
| Flag | Risk Level | Description | Example |
|------|------------|-------------|---------|
| `--allowedTools ` | **LOW** | Whitelist specific tools | `claude --allowedTools "Edit,View"` |
| `--disallowedTools ` | **LOW** | Blacklist specific tools | `claude --disallowedTools "Bash"` |
| `--dangerously-skip-permissions` | **CRITICAL** | Skip ALL permission prompts | `claude --dangerously-skip-permissions` |
#### Advanced Flags
| Flag | Purpose | Example | Notes |
|------|---------|---------|--------|
| `--add-dir ` | Add working directories | `claude --add-dir ../lib ../src` |
| `--model ` | Set specific model | `claude --model sonnet` |
| `--verbose` | Enable detailed logging | `claude --verbose` |
### Slash Commands (Interactive Mode)
#### Commands
| Command | Purpose | Status |
|---------|---------|--------|
| `/help` | Show all slash commands |
| `/clear` | Clear current conversation |
| `/exit` | Exit Claude safely |
| `/bug` | Report issues |
#### Commands
```bash
/doctor # Complete health check
/status # System information
/cost # Token usage stats
/config # Configuration menu
/permissions # Manage tool access
/memory # Edit memory files
/sessions # List all sessions
```
---
## ⚙️ Configuration
### Configuration System Overview
Claude Code uses a hierarchical configuration system:
1. **Command-line flags** (highest priority)
2. **Environment variables**
3. **Project configuration** (location may vary)
4. **Global configuration** (likely `~/.claude.json`)
5. **Built-in defaults** (lowest priority)
### Configuration Files
#### Global Configuration
**Location**: `~/.claude.json`
```json
{
"model": "claude-sonnet-4",
"verbose": true,
"outputFormat": "text",
"allowedTools": ["Edit", "View"],
"disallowedTools": [],
}
```
#### Project Configuration
**Location**: `settings.json` OR similar
```json
{
"model": "claude-sonnet-4",
"systemPrompt": "You are a senior developer working on this project",
"allowedTools": [
"Edit",
"View",
"Bash(git:*)",
"Bash(npm:*)"
],
}
```
### Environment Variables
#### Core Variables
| Variable | Required | Purpose | Example |
|----------|----------|---------|---------|
| `ANTHROPIC_API_KEY` | **YES** | API Authentication | `sk-ant-api03-xxx` |
| `ANTHROPIC_MODEL` | No | Default model | `claude-sonnet-4` |
| `ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL` | No | API endpoint override | `https://api.anthropic.com` |
#### Variables
```bash
export DISABLE_NON_ESSENTIAL_MODEL_CALLS=1
export MAX_THINKING_TOKENS=50000
export DISABLE_TELEMETRY=1
# Cloud provider variables
export CLAUDE_CODE_USE_BEDROCK=1
export CLAUDE_CODE_USE_VERTEX=1
```
#### Network & Proxy
```bash
# Standard proxy variables
export HTTP_PROXY="http://proxy.company.com:8080"
export HTTPS_PROXY="https://proxy.company.com:8443"
export NO_PROXY="localhost,127.0.0.1,*.company.com"
```
---
## Security & Permissions
### Permission System
**How it works**:
- Claude asks for permission before using tools
- Permissions are remembered per session
- Dangerous operations require confirmation
#### Permission Levels
| Level | Description | Risk | Use Case |
|-------|-------------|------|----------|
| **Interactive** | Prompt for each operation | **Low** | Development work |
| **Allowlist** | Pre-approved tools only | **Medium** | Automation scripts |
| **Dangerous** | Skip all permissions | **CRITICAL** | Containers only |
#### Tool Permission Patterns
```bash
# Allow specific tools
claude --allowedTools "Edit,View"
# Allow tool categories
claude --allowedTools "Edit,View,Bash"
# Scoped permissions (Git operations only)
claude --allowedTools "Bash(git:*)"
# Multiple scopes
claude --allowedTools "Bash(git:*),Bash(npm:*)"
```
### Dangerous Mode (CRITICAL Security Feature)
```bash
# DANGEROUS - Can cause data loss
claude --dangerously-skip-permissions
# Only use in isolated environments:
# ✅ Safe: Isolated Docker container
# ❌ NEVER: Production systems, shared machines, systems with important data
```
### Security Best Practices
#### 1. Start Restrictive
```bash
# Good: Specific permissions
claude --allowedTools "Edit,View,Bash(git:status)"
# Bad: Broad permissions
claude --allowedTools "Bash"
```
#### 2. Protect Sensitive Data
```bash
# Good: Environment variables
export DATABASE_URL="postgresql://user:pass@host/db"
# Bad: Hardcoded credentials in commands
# claude "connect to postgresql://user:password123@host/db"
```
#### 3. Regular Security Audits
```bash
# Check current permissions
claude config get allowedTools
claude config get disallowedTools
# Review configuration
claude config list
```
---
# Claude Code Configuration Guide
> A practical guide for editing your `~/.claude.json` configuration file safely
[](https://claude.ai/code)
[](LICENSE)
## Table of Contents
- [Overview](#overview)
- [File Location](#file-location)
- [What You Can Safely Edit](#what-you-can-safely-edit)
- [Theme Settings](#1-theme-settings)
- [Editor Mode](#2-editor-mode)
- [Auto Updates](#3-auto-updates)
- [Global MCP Servers](#4-global-mcp-servers)
- [Feature Flags](#5-feature-flags)
- [Resetting Tips and Onboarding](#6-resetting-tips-and-onboarding)
- [What NOT to Edit](#what-you-should-not-edit)
- [How to Make Changes Safely](#how-to-make-changes-safely)
- [Common Editing Tasks](#common-editing-tasks)
- [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting)
- [Security Notes](#security-notes)
- [Contributing](#contributing)
## Overview
This guide shows you what you can safely edit in your `~/.claude.json` configuration file based on real, working configurations. **Always backup your file before making changes.**
## File Location
| Operating System | File Path |
|-----------------|-----------|
| **Linux/macOS** | `~/.claude.json` |
| **Windows** | `%USERPROFILE%\.claude.json` |
## What You Can Safely Edit
### 1. Theme Settings
```json
{
"theme": "dark-daltonized"
}
```
**Known working themes** (based on actual configurations):
- `"dark-daltonized"` - Dark theme optimized for colorblind users
- `"dark"` - Standard dark theme
- `"light"` - Light theme
### 2. Editor Mode
```json
{
"editorMode": "vim"
}
```
**Options:**
- `"vim"` - Vim keybindings
- `"emacs"` - Default mode
### 3. Auto Updates
```json
{
"autoUpdates": true
}
```
**Options:**
- `true` - Enable automatic updates
- `false` - Disable automatic updates
### 4. Global MCP Servers
This is the most commonly edited section. Add new MCP servers to extend Claude's capabilities:
```json
{
"mcpServers": {
"sequential-thinking": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-sequential-thinking"],
"env": {}
},
"puppeteer": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-puppeteer"],
"env": {}
},
"fetch": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@kazuph/mcp-fetch"],
"env": {}
}
}
}
```
#### MCP Server Structure
| Field | Description | Example |
|-------|-------------|---------|
| `type` | Connection type | `"stdio"` (most common) |
| `command` | Executable command | `"npx"` for npm packages |
| `args` | Command arguments | `["-y", "package-name"]` |
| `env` | Environment variables | `{"API_KEY": "value"}` |
#### Adding MCP Servers with API Keys
```json
{
"mcpServers": {
"github": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-github"],
"env": {
"GITHUB_TOKEN": "your-github-token-here"
}
},
"brave-search": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-brave-search"],
"env": {
"BRAVE_API_KEY": "your-brave-api-key-here"
}
}
}
}
```
#### Popular MCP Servers You Can Add
```json
{
"mcpServers": {
"filesystem": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem", "/path/to/allowed/directory"],
"env": {}
},
"context7": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@upstash/context7-mcp"],
"env": {}
}
}
}
```
### 5. Feature Flags
Based on actual configurations, these can be safely modified:
```json
{
"bypassPermissionsModeAccepted": true,
"hasAcknowledgedCostThreshold": true,
"isQualifiedForDataSharing": false
}
```
| Flag | Description |
|------|-------------|
| `bypassPermissionsModeAccepted` | Whether you've accepted bypass permissions mode |
| `hasAcknowledgedCostThreshold` | Cost warning acknowledgment |
| `isQualifiedForDataSharing` | Data sharing preferences |
### 6. Resetting Tips and Onboarding
If you want to see tips again or restart onboarding:
```json
{
"tipsHistory": {
"new-user-warmup": 0,
"ide-hotkey": 0,
"shift-enter": 0
},
"hasCompletedOnboarding": false
}
```
💡 **Tip**: Set tip counters to `0` to see them again, or set `hasCompletedOnboarding` to `false` to restart onboarding.
## What You Should NOT Edit
> ⚠️ **Warning**: Don't manually edit these sections unless you know exactly what you're doing:
Authentication Data (Click to expand)
```json
{
"oauthAccount": { ... },
"primaryApiKey": "sk-ant-api03-...",
"customApiKeyResponses": { ... }
}
```
Application State (Click to expand)
```json
{
"numStartups": 45,
"userID": "...",
"firstStartTime": "...",
"autoUpdaterStatus": "...",
"cachedChangelog": "..."
}
```
Project-Specific Data (Click to expand)
```json
{
"projects": {
"/path/to/project": {
"lastCost": 0.11092260000000002,
"lastTotalInputTokens": 40329,
"lastSessionId": "..."
}
}
}
```
## How to Make Changes Safely
### 1. Always Backup First
```bash
cp ~/.claude.json ~/.claude.json.backup
```
### 2. Validate JSON After Editing
```bash
# Check if your JSON is valid
python -m json.tool ~/.claude.json
# or if you have jq installed
jq . ~/.claude.json
```
### 3. Restart Claude Code
After making changes, restart Claude Code for them to take effect:
```bash
# If Claude is running, exit it first
# Then restart
claude
```
## Common Editing Tasks
### Adding a New MCP Server
1. **Backup** your config
2. **Add** your server to the `mcpServers` object
3. **Validate** JSON syntax
4. **Restart** Claude Code
5. **Check** with `/mcp` command that it loaded
### Changing Theme
1. **Backup** your config
2. **Change** the `"theme"` value
3. **Restart** Claude Code
### ⌨️ Enabling Vim Mode
1. **Backup** your config
2. **Set** `"editorMode": "vim"`
3. **Restart** Claude Code
## Troubleshooting
### 🚫 If Claude Won't Start After Editing
```bash
# Restore your backup
cp ~/.claude.json.backup ~/.claude.json
```
1. Check JSON syntax with validator
2. Look for missing commas, quotes, or brackets
### 🔧 If MCP Server Won't Load
1. Check the `/mcp` command in Claude Code
2. Verify the package name and spelling
3. Check that environment variables are set correctly
4. Try running the server manually: `npx -y package-name`
### Reset Everything
If you want to start fresh:
```bash
# Backup first
cp ~/.claude.json ~/.claude.json.backup
# Remove config (will be recreated)
rm ~/.claude.json
# Restart Claude Code
claude
```
## JSON Structure Reference
Here's the basic structure you should maintain:
```json
{
"theme": "dark-daltonized",
"editorMode": "vim",
"autoUpdates": true,
"mcpServers": {
"server-name": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "package-name"],
"env": {}
}
},
"bypassPermissionsModeAccepted": true,
"hasCompletedOnboarding": true,
"projects": { },
"oauthAccount": { },
"primaryApiKey": "..."
}
```
## Security Notes
🔒 **Important Security Guidelines:**
- **Never share your `~/.claude.json` file** - it contains your API keys and personal data
- **Use environment variables for sensitive data** instead of putting API keys directly in the file
- **Set proper file permissions**: `chmod 600 ~/.claude.json` on Unix systems
### Guidelines
- Only include configuration options that have been verified to work
- Always include examples from real configurations
- Add safety warnings for potentially dangerous changes
---
**Disclaimer**: This is an unofficial community guide based on real Claude Code configurations (version 1.0.38+). Only edit what you understand and always backup first.
## 🤖 Automation & Scripting
### CI/CD Integration
#### GitHub Actions Example
```yaml
name: Claude Code Review
on:
pull_request:
branches: [main, develop]
jobs:
claude-review:
runs-on: ubuntu-latest
steps:
- uses: actions/checkout@v4
- name: Setup Node.js
uses: actions/setup-node@v4
with:
node-version: '18'
- name: Install Claude Code
run: npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
- name: Run Review
env:
ANTHROPIC_API_KEY: ${{ secrets.ANTHROPIC_API_KEY }}
run: |
claude -p "Review changes for security issues and bugs" \
--allowedTools "View" \
--output-format json > review-results.json
```
### Automation Scripts
#### Pre-commit Hook Example
```bash
#!/bin/bash
# .git/hooks/pre-commit
# Get staged files
staged_files=$(git diff --cached --name-only --diff-filter=ACM)
if [ -z "$staged_files" ]; then
exit 0
fi
# Analyze with Claude
analysis=$(echo "$staged_files" | xargs cat | \
claude -p "Review these changes for issues before commit" \
--allowedTools "View" \
--output-format json)
# Check for critical issues
if echo "$analysis" | jq -e '.critical_issues[]' > /dev/null 2>&1; then
echo "❌ Critical issues found - commit blocked"
exit 1
fi
echo "✅ Code analysis passed"
```
---
## 🔧 Troubleshooting
### Diagnostic Commands
```bash
# Basic health checks
claude --version
claude --help
claude config list
claude /doctor
```
### Common Issues & Solutions
#### 1. Authentication Issues
```bash
# Check API key
echo $ANTHROPIC_API_KEY
# Test connection
claude -p "test" --verbose
# Reset authentication
```
#### 2. Installation Issues
```bash
# Reinstall
npm uninstall -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
# Check Node.js version
node --version # Should be 16+
```
#### 3. Permission Issues
```bash
# Check current permissions
claude config get allowedTools
# Reset permissions
claude config set allowedTools "[]"
claude config set allowedTools '["Edit", "View"]'
```
#### 4. MCP Issues
```bash
# Debug MCP
claude --mcp-debug
claude mcp status
claude mcp restart --all
```
### Debug Mode
```bash
# Enable verbose logging
claude --verbose
# Check logs (verify log location)
```
---
## 🚀 Advanced Features
### Context Management
#### CLAUDE.md - Project Memory
**Purpose**: Store persistent project information that Claude remembers
**Location**: Project root directory
```markdown
# Project: My Application
## Overview
This is a React/Node.js application with PostgreSQL database.
## Architecture
- Frontend: React 18 with TypeScript
- Backend: Node.js with Express
- Database: PostgreSQL 14
## Current Goals
- [ ] Implement authentication
- [ ] Add API documentation
- [ ] Set up CI/CD pipeline
## Development Guidelines
- Use TypeScript for all new code
- Follow ESLint configuration
- Write tests for new features
```
#### Memory Commands
```bash
claude /memory # Edit project memory
claude /memory view # View current memory
```
### Advanced Thinking
```bash
# These "thinking" phrases may work:
claude "think hard about the security implications of this code"
claude "analyze this thoroughly and provide detailed recommendations"
```
### Multi-Directory Workspaces
```bash
# Add multiple directories
claude --add-dir ../frontend ../backend ../shared
# Project-wide analysis
claude "analyze the entire application architecture"
```
---
## 💡 Best Practices
### Effective Prompting
```bash
# Good: Specific and detailed
claude "Review UserAuth.js for security vulnerabilities, focusing on JWT handling"
# Bad: Vague
claude "check my code"
```
### Security Best Practices
1. **Start with minimal permissions**: `claude --allowedTools "View"`
2. **Use environment variables**: `export API_KEY="secret"`
3. **Regular audits**: `claude config get allowedTools`
4. **Avoid dangerous mode**: Only use `--dangerously-skip-permissions` in containers
### Performance Tips
1. **Use appropriate output formats**: `--output-format json` for automation
2. **Be specific in prompts**: Better results, faster execution
3. **Clean up regularly**: Remove old sessions and cache
---
## Getting Help
- **Official Documentation**: https://docs.anthropic.com/en/docs/claude-code/overview
- **Report Issues**: Use `/bug` command (if it works) or file GitHub issues
- **Test First**: Always test commands in safe environments before relying on them
---
**Last Updated**: Based on package version 1.0.38 and available documentation. Many features require verification in your specific installation.
#### Monitoring & Alerting
**1. Health Check Automation**
```bash
# Regular health checks
*/15 * * * * /usr/local/bin/claude /doctor > /dev/null || echo "Claude health check failed" | mail -s "Alert" admin@company.com
```
**2. Log Analysis**
```bash
# Daily log analysis
0 6 * * * tail -1000 /var/log/app.log | claude -p "analyze for issues" --output-format json > /tmp/daily-analysis.json
```
### Collaboration Best Practices
#### Team Workflows
**1. Shared Configuration Templates**
```bash
# Create team templates
mkdir -p ~/.claude/templates/
cat > ~/.claude/templates/team-frontend.json << EOF
{
"allowedTools": ["Edit", "View", "Bash(npm:*)", "mcp__git__*"],
"model": "claude-sonnet-4",
"systemPrompt": "You are working on our React frontend. Follow our coding standards and use TypeScript."
}
EOF
# Use templates
claude config import ~/.claude/templates/team-frontend.json
```
**2. Documentation Automation**
```bash
# Automated documentation updates
claude "update README.md with recent changes to the API endpoints"
claude "generate TypeScript definitions from the new database schema"
```
**3. Code Review Standards**
```bash
# Standardized review process
claude --allowedTools "View,mcp__git__*" \
"review PR #123 using our team standards:
- Security best practices
- Performance considerations
- Code style compliance
- Test coverage adequacy"
```
#### Knowledge Sharing
**1. Create Project Runbooks**
```bash
# Generate runbooks
claude "create a deployment runbook for this application including all steps and troubleshooting"
claude "document the onboarding process for new developers"
```
**2. Architecture Documentation**
```bash
# Maintain architecture docs
claude "update architecture documentation to reflect recent microservices changes"
claude "create sequence diagrams for the new authentication flow"
```
### Common Pitfalls to Avoid
#### Security Pitfalls
**❌ Don't:**
- Use `--dangerously-skip-permissions` on production systems
- Hardcode secrets in commands or configuration
- Grant overly broad permissions
- Run with elevated privileges unnecessarily
**✅ Do:**
- Use environment variables for secrets
- Start with minimal permissions
- Regular security audits
- Isolate sensitive operations
#### Performance Pitfalls
**❌ Don't:**
- Load entire large codebases unnecessarily
- Use maximum thinking budget for simple tasks
- Run multiple concurrent Claude instances
- Ignore memory and cache cleanup
**✅ Do:**
- Use focused context with `--add-dir`
- Match thinking budget to task complexity
- Monitor resource usage
- Clean up regularly
#### Workflow Pitfalls
**❌ Don't:**
- Skip project context setup (CLAUDE.md)
- Use vague, ambiguous prompts
- Ignore error messages and logs
- Automate without testing first
**✅ Do:**
- Maintain comprehensive project context
- Be specific and detailed in requests
- Monitor and analyze logs
- Test automation in safe environments
---