Claude Code Best Practices
Professional patterns and pro tips for maximizing productivity with Claude Code.
Core Workflow Best Practices
✅ DO: Follow Explore → Plan → Code → Commit
Why: Prevents Claude from jumping to solutions without context.
✅ DO: Use Plan Mode for Unfamiliar Code
✅ DO: Leverage Extended Thinking
❌ DON'T: Skip the Exploration Phase
Giving Claude context first leads to better results:
- Reads existing patterns
- Understands project conventions
- Makes consistent changes
- Fewer iterations needed
Permission Management
✅ DO: Use Allow-lists for Common Commands
settings.json:
✅ DO: Use Deny-lists for Dangerous Operations
✅ DO: Layer Permissions by Scope
User-level (~/.claude/settings.local.json):
Project-level (.claude/settings.json):
Custom Commands
✅ DO: Create Commands for Repeated Tasks
.claude/commands/test-feature.md:
✅ DO: Use Descriptive Command Names
✅ DO: Share Team Commands in Git
Hook Configuration
✅ DO: Auto-Format After Edits
✅ DO: Run Tests After Code Changes
❌ DON'T: Make Hooks Too Slow
Better: Run only what's necessary
MCP Server Configuration
✅ DO: Configure Secrets Securely
❌ DON'T: Hardcode Secrets
✅ DO: Use Project vs User Scope Appropriately
Project MCP (.mcp.json):
- Shared development databases
- Project-specific tools
- Team resources
User MCP (~/.claude/settings.local.json):
- Personal GitHub tokens
- User-specific databases
- Individual preferences
Context Management
✅ DO: Clear Context Between Major Tasks
✅ DO: Use /compact for Large Sessions
✅ DO: Monitor Context Usage
❌ DON'T: Include Unnecessary Files
Git Integration
✅ DO: Let Claude Generate Commit Messages
✅ DO: Use Conventional Commits
Configure in .claude/settings.json:
❌ DON'T: Let Claude Commit Automatically
Always review commits before they're created.
✅ DO: Use Git Worktrees for Parallel Work
Testing Best Practices
✅ DO: Write Tests First (TDD)
✅ DO: Ask for Comprehensive Test Coverage
✅ DO: Use Test Hooks
Code Review
✅ DO: Review in Plan Mode
✅ DO: Use Focused Review Prompts
✅ DO: Create Review Commands
.claude/commands/security-review.md:
Documentation
✅ DO: Keep CLAUDE.md Updated
✅ DO: Auto-Generate Docs
✅ DO: Document Hooks and Commands
README.md:
Rewind and Checkpoints
✅ DO: Use Rewind Liberally
✅ DO: Create Manual Checkpoints
✅ DO: Combine with Git
Performance Optimization
✅ DO: Use Glob for File Discovery
✅ DO: Use Grep for Code Search
✅ DO: Limit File Reads
Team Collaboration
✅ DO: Share Settings in Git
.claude/settings.json (committed):
✅ DO: Document Team Commands
README.md:
Security
✅ DO: Review Before Committing
✅ DO: Use .gitignore
❌ DON'T: Commit Secrets
Common Pitfalls
❌ Giving Vague Instructions
❌ Not Leveraging Context
❌ Ignoring Plan Mode
Summary of Best Practices
Workflow:
- ✅ Explore → Plan → Code → Commit
- ✅ Use Plan Mode for complex changes
- ✅ Leverage extended thinking
- ✅ Clear context between major tasks
Configuration:
- ✅ Granular permissions
- ✅ Secure MCP configuration
- ✅ Shared team settings in git
- ✅ Personal settings in .local files
Automation:
- ✅ Custom commands for repeated tasks
- ✅ Hooks for linting and testing
- ✅ Fast, focused automations
Safety:
- ✅ Use rewind liberally
- ✅ Review all changes
- ✅ Never commit secrets
- ✅ Test before committing
Collaboration:
- ✅ Document team workflows
- ✅ Share commands and hooks
- ✅ Use conventional commits