Claude Code: give it a pass/fail check and let it iterate
The Claude Code team's #1 tip: hand the agent a test, build or linter it can run, so it fixes its own mistakes before you see them.
Claude tips & tricks
Use plan mode before multi-file changes in Claude Code
Press Shift+Tab to enter plan mode: Claude reads and proposes a plan without editing files. Refine the plan, then let it execute.
Keep CLAUDE.md short (under ~200 lines)
CLAUDE.md loads into every session. Bloated files get ignored, so keep only always-relevant facts and move procedures into skills.
Use hooks for anything that must happen every time
Instructions are suggestions; hooks are guarantees. Use Claude Code hooks to auto-lint after edits or block dangerous commands.
Run 3-5 coding agents in parallel with git worktrees
The Claude Code team's biggest productivity unlock: several sessions at once, each in its own git worktree so edits never collide.
Delegate noisy side tasks to subagents
Codebase searches and log digs flood your context. A subagent does the work in isolation and hands back only the summary.
Structure complex Claude prompts with XML tags
Wrap instructions, documents and examples in descriptive XML tags so Claude never confuses your data with your instructions.