Boris Cherny introduces Claude Code – a fully agentic AI assistant for coding. Unlike autocomplete tools, Claude Code handles entire features, functions, files, or bugs at once. It works with any IDE, terminal, or remote environment (SSH, tmux) and requires no indexing – your code stays local and private.
Key Tips
These Boris tips for starting Claude Code efficiently
Start with Q&A
use Claude Code to explore and understand codebases before editing.
Plan-first prompting
ask Claude to brainstorm and make a plan before writing code.
Iterative feedback loops
give Claude a way to check its work (unit tests, screenshots) so it can auto-correct.
Context control
use CLAUDE.md, slash commands, and @mentions to give Claude necessary context.
Safety & flexibility
tiered permissions allow auto-approval of safe commands while blocking dangerous ones.
Parallel work
power users run multiple Claude Code sessions across repos or git worktrees.
Practical Guide: Getting Started with Claude Code
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1. Installation & Setup
Requires Node.js. Install with:
bash
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-codeRun claude terminal-setup for better UX (shift+enter for newlines).
Run claude theme to set light/dark mode.
Run claude install github-app to enable @mentioning Claude on GitHub issues/PRs.
2. First Steps: Codebase Q&A (No editing yet!)
Use Claude Code to ask questions about your project. Examples:
“How is this class used? Show me examples.”
“Why does this function have 15 arguments? Check git history.”
“What did I ship this week?” (looks at commits by your username)
“Fetch GitHub issue #123 and explain the context.”
This trains you and your team on prompting and builds trust in the tool.
3. Basic Editing Workflow
Prompt pattern – Plan first:
text
Before you write code, make a plan for [feature/bug fix]. Run it by me for approval.
Auto-commit & PR:
text
Commit and push. Then make a pull request.
Claude automatically checks git log, creates a branch, commits, pushes, and opens a PR.
4. Feedback Loop for Better Results
Give Claude a way to see its own output so it can iterate. Examples:
“Build this web UI. Use Puppeteer to screenshot the result. Keep iterating until it matches the mock.”
“Write unit tests. Run them and fix failures.”
5. Providing Context (Critical for Performance)
| Method | Purpose | Scope |
|---|---|---|
CLAUDE.md (project root) | Shared team context: common commands, style guide, core files | Auto-loaded every session |
CLAUDE.local.md | Personal overrides, not checked into git | Auto-loaded |
Nested CLAUDE.md | Directory-specific instructions | Loaded when Claude works in that dir |
/commands (.claude/commands/) | Custom slash commands for automation | Team or personal |
@mentions | @file.ts or @folder/ | Pull on demand |
Enterprise policies | Global allow/block lists for all employees | Managed centrally |
Tip: Use /memory to see which context files are being loaded. Use # remember ... to have Claude automatically add something to CLAUDE.md.
6. Keyboard Shortcuts (Terminal)
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Auto-accept edits | Shift+Tab (bash still asks) |
| Stop Claude safely | Escape |
| Jump back in history | Escape twice |
| Run bash command (visible to Claude) | ! command |
| Remember something | # remember ... |
| Show Claude’s full output | Ctrl+R |
| Resume previous session | claude --continue |
7. Advanced: SDK & Automation
Use claude -p for non-interactive scripting (like a super intelligent Unix utility):
bash
# Pipe in context, get JSON
git diff | claude -p "Write a commit message" --output-format json
# Fetch log and ask for analysis
cat huge.log | claude -p "Find the most interesting errors"
Use in CI, incident response, or any pipeline.
8. Power User: Parallel Sessions
Run multiple Claude Code instances in different terminals.
Use git worktrees to have multiple checkouts of the same repo.
Combine with SSH/tmux for remote work.
Recommended Adoption Path for Teams
Day 1 – Everyone installs Claude Code and does only Q&A (no editing).
Day 2 – Add a shared CLAUDE.md with common commands and style guide.
Day 3 – Start with plan-first editing on small features.
Week 2 – Integrate feedback tools (tests, screenshots) to enable iteration.
Ongoing – Use /memory to audit and refine context. Add MCP servers or custom slash commands for team-specific tools.
You can watch the full 30min video by Boris Cherny (Anthropic Technical Lead)