everything-claude-code/the-shortform-guide.md

The Shorthand Guide to Everything Claude Code

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Been an avid Claude Code user since the experimental rollout in Feb, and won the Anthropic x Forum Ventures hackathon with zenith.chat alongside @DRodriguezFX - completely using Claude Code.

Here's my complete setup after 10 months of daily use: skills, hooks, subagents, MCPs, plugins, and what actually works.

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Skills and Commands

Skills operate like rules, constricted to certain scopes and workflows. They're shorthand to prompts when you need to execute a particular workflow.

After a long session of coding with Opus 4.5, you want to clean out dead code and loose .md files? Run /refactor-clean. Need testing? /tdd, /e2e, /test-coverage. Skills can also include codemaps - a way for Claude to quickly navigate your codebase without burning context on exploration.

Chaining commands together

Commands are skills executed via slash commands. They overlap but are stored differently:

• Skills: ~/.claude/skills/ - broader workflow definitions
• Commands: ~/.claude/commands/ - quick executable prompts

# Example skill structure
~/.claude/skills/
  pmx-guidelines.md      # Project-specific patterns
  coding-standards.md    # Language best practices
  tdd-workflow/          # Multi-file skill with README.md
  security-review/       # Checklist-based skill

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Hooks

Hooks are trigger-based automations that fire on specific events. Unlike skills, they're constricted to tool calls and lifecycle events.

Hook Types:

1. PreToolUse - Before a tool executes (validation, reminders)
2. PostToolUse - After a tool finishes (formatting, feedback loops)
3. UserPromptSubmit - When you send a message
4. Stop - When Claude finishes responding
5. PreCompact - Before context compaction
6. Notification - Permission requests

Example: tmux reminder before long-running commands

{
  "PreToolUse": [
    {
      "matcher": "tool == \"Bash\" && tool_input.command matches \"(npm|pnpm|yarn|cargo|pytest)\"",
      "hooks": [
        {
          "type": "command",
          "command": "if [ -z \"$TMUX\" ]; then echo '[Hook] Consider tmux for session persistence' >&2; fi"
        }
      ]
    }
  ]
}

Example of what feedback you get in Claude Code, while running a PostToolUse hook

Pro tip: Use the hookify plugin to create hooks conversationally instead of writing JSON manually. Run /hookify and describe what you want.

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Subagents

Subagents are processes your orchestrator (main Claude) can delegate tasks to with limited scopes. They can run in background or foreground, freeing up context for the main agent.

Subagents work nicely with skills - a subagent capable of executing a subset of your skills can be delegated tasks and use those skills autonomously. They can also be sandboxed with specific tool permissions.

# Example subagent structure
~/.claude/agents/
  planner.md           # Feature implementation planning
  architect.md         # System design decisions
  tdd-guide.md         # Test-driven development
  code-reviewer.md     # Quality/security review
  security-reviewer.md # Vulnerability analysis
  build-error-resolver.md
  e2e-runner.md
  refactor-cleaner.md

Configure allowed tools, MCPs, and permissions per subagent for proper scoping.

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Rules and Memory

Your .rules folder holds .md files with best practices Claude should ALWAYS follow. Two approaches:

1. Single CLAUDE.md - Everything in one file (user or project level)
2. Rules folder - Modular .md files grouped by concern

~/.claude/rules/
  security.md      # No hardcoded secrets, validate inputs
  coding-style.md  # Immutability, file organization
  testing.md       # TDD workflow, 80% coverage
  git-workflow.md  # Commit format, PR process
  agents.md        # When to delegate to subagents
  performance.md   # Model selection, context management

Example rules:

• No emojis in codebase
• Refrain from purple hues in frontend
• Always test code before deployment
• Prioritize modular code over mega-files
• Never commit console.logs

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MCPs (Model Context Protocol)

MCPs connect Claude to external services directly. Not a replacement for APIs - it's a prompt-driven wrapper around them, allowing more flexibility in navigating information.

Example: Supabase MCP lets Claude pull specific data, run SQL directly upstream without copy-paste. Same for databases, deployment platforms, etc.

Example of the Supabase MCP listing the tables within the public schema

Chrome in Claude: is a built-in plugin MCP that lets Claude autonomously control your browser - clicking around to see how things work.

CRITICAL: Context Window Management

Be picky with MCPs. I keep all MCPs in user config but disable everything unused. Navigate to /plugins and scroll down or run /mcp.

Using /plugins to navigate to MCPs to see which ones are currently installed and their status

Your 200k context window before compacting might only be 70k with too many tools enabled. Performance degrades significantly.

Rule of thumb: Have 20-30 MCPs in config, but keep under 10 enabled / under 80 tools active.

# Check enabled MCPs
/mcp

# Disable unused ones in ~/.claude.json under projects.disabledMcpServers

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Plugins

Plugins package tools for easy installation instead of tedious manual setup. A plugin can be a skill + MCP combined, or hooks/tools bundled together.

Installing plugins:

# Add a marketplace
claude plugin marketplace add https://github.com/mixedbread-ai/mgrep

# Open Claude, run /plugins, find new marketplace, install from there

Displaying the newly installed Mixedbread-Grep marketplace

LSP Plugins are particularly useful if you run Claude Code outside editors frequently. Language Server Protocol gives Claude real-time type checking, go-to-definition, and intelligent completions without needing an IDE open.

# Enabled plugins example
typescript-lsp@claude-plugins-official  # TypeScript intelligence
pyright-lsp@claude-plugins-official     # Python type checking
hookify@claude-plugins-official         # Create hooks conversationally
mgrep@Mixedbread-Grep                   # Better search than ripgrep

Same warning as MCPs - watch your context window.

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Tips and Tricks

Keyboard Shortcuts

• Ctrl+U - Delete entire line (faster than backspace spam)
• ! - Quick bash command prefix
• @ - Search for files
• / - Initiate slash commands
• Shift+Enter - Multi-line input
• Tab - Toggle thinking display
• Esc Esc - Interrupt Claude / restore code

Parallel Workflows

• Fork (/fork) - Fork conversations to do non-overlapping tasks in parallel instead of spamming queued messages
• Git Worktrees - For overlapping parallel Claudes without conflicts. Each worktree is an independent checkout

git worktree add ../feature-branch feature-branch
# Now run separate Claude instances in each worktree

tmux for Long-Running Commands

Stream and watch logs/bash processes Claude runs:

https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/shortform/07-tmux-video.mp4

tmux new -s dev
# Claude runs commands here, you can detach and reattach
tmux attach -t dev

mgrep > grep

mgrep is a significant improvement from ripgrep/grep. Install via plugin marketplace, then use the /mgrep skill. Works with both local search and web search.

mgrep "function handleSubmit"  # Local search
mgrep --web "Next.js 15 app router changes"  # Web search

Other Useful Commands

• /rewind - Go back to a previous state
• /statusline - Customize with branch, context %, todos
• /checkpoints - File-level undo points
• /compact - Manually trigger context compaction

GitHub Actions CI/CD

Set up code review on your PRs with GitHub Actions. Claude can review PRs automatically when configured.

Claude approving a bug fix PR

Sandboxing

Use sandbox mode for risky operations - Claude runs in restricted environment without affecting your actual system.

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On Editors

Your editor choice significantly impacts Claude Code workflow. While Claude Code works from any terminal, pairing it with a capable editor unlocks real-time file tracking, quick navigation, and integrated command execution.

Zed (My Preference)

I use Zed - written in Rust, so it's genuinely fast. Opens instantly, handles massive codebases without breaking a sweat, and barely touches system resources.

Why Zed + Claude Code is a great combo:

• Speed - Rust-based performance means no lag when Claude is rapidly editing files. Your editor keeps up
• Agent Panel Integration - Zed's Claude integration lets you track file changes in real-time as Claude edits. Jump between files Claude references without leaving the editor
• CMD+Shift+R Command Palette - Quick access to all your custom slash commands, debuggers, build scripts in a searchable UI
• Minimal Resource Usage - Won't compete with Claude for RAM/CPU during heavy operations. Important when running Opus
• Vim Mode - Full vim keybindings if that's your thing

Zed Editor with custom commands dropdown using CMD+Shift+R. Following mode shown as the bullseye in the bottom right.

Editor-Agnostic Tips:

1. Split your screen - Terminal with Claude Code on one side, editor on the other
2. Ctrl + G - quickly open the file Claude is currently working on in Zed
3. Auto-save - Enable autosave so Claude's file reads are always current
4. Git integration - Use editor's git features to review Claude's changes before committing
5. File watchers - Most editors auto-reload changed files, verify this is enabled

VSCode / Cursor

This is also a viable choice and works well with Claude Code. You can use it in either terminal format, with automatic sync with your editor using \ide enabling LSP functionality (somewhat redundant with plugins now). Or you can opt for the extension which is more integrated with the Editor and has a matching UI.

The VS Code extension provides a native graphical interface for Claude Code, integrated directly into your IDE.

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My Setup

Plugins

Installed: (I usually only have 4-5 of these enabled at a time)

ralph-wiggum@claude-code-plugins       # Loop automation
frontend-design@claude-code-plugins    # UI/UX patterns
commit-commands@claude-code-plugins    # Git workflow
security-guidance@claude-code-plugins  # Security checks
pr-review-toolkit@claude-code-plugins  # PR automation
typescript-lsp@claude-plugins-official # TS intelligence
hookify@claude-plugins-official        # Hook creation
code-simplifier@claude-plugins-official
feature-dev@claude-code-plugins
explanatory-output-style@claude-code-plugins
code-review@claude-code-plugins
context7@claude-plugins-official       # Live documentation
pyright-lsp@claude-plugins-official    # Python types
mgrep@Mixedbread-Grep                  # Better search

MCP Servers

Configured (User Level):

{
  "github": { "command": "npx", "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-github"] },
  "firecrawl": { "command": "npx", "args": ["-y", "firecrawl-mcp"] },
  "supabase": {
    "command": "npx",
    "args": ["-y", "@supabase/mcp-server-supabase@latest", "--project-ref=YOUR_REF"]
  },
  "memory": { "command": "npx", "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-memory"] },
  "sequential-thinking": {
    "command": "npx",
    "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-sequential-thinking"]
  },
  "vercel": { "type": "http", "url": "https://mcp.vercel.com" },
  "railway": { "command": "npx", "args": ["-y", "@railway/mcp-server"] },
  "cloudflare-docs": { "type": "http", "url": "https://docs.mcp.cloudflare.com/mcp" },
  "cloudflare-workers-bindings": {
    "type": "http",
    "url": "https://bindings.mcp.cloudflare.com/mcp"
  },
  "clickhouse": { "type": "http", "url": "https://mcp.clickhouse.cloud/mcp" },
  "AbletonMCP": { "command": "uvx", "args": ["ableton-mcp"] },
  "magic": { "command": "npx", "args": ["-y", "@magicuidesign/mcp@latest"] }
}

This is the key - I have 14 MCPs configured but only ~5-6 enabled per project. Keeps context window healthy.

Key Hooks

{
  "PreToolUse": [
    { "matcher": "npm|pnpm|yarn|cargo|pytest", "hooks": ["tmux reminder"] },
    { "matcher": "Write && .md file", "hooks": ["block unless README/CLAUDE"] },
    { "matcher": "git push", "hooks": ["open editor for review"] }
  ],
  "PostToolUse": [
    { "matcher": "Edit && .ts/.tsx/.js/.jsx", "hooks": ["prettier --write"] },
    { "matcher": "Edit && .ts/.tsx", "hooks": ["tsc --noEmit"] },
    { "matcher": "Edit", "hooks": ["grep console.log warning"] }
  ],
  "Stop": [
    { "matcher": "*", "hooks": ["check modified files for console.log"] }
  ]
}

Custom Status Line

Shows user, directory, git branch with dirty indicator, context remaining %, model, time, and todo count:

Example statusline in my Mac root directory

affoon:~ ctx:65% Opus 4.5 19:52
▌▌ plan mode on (shift+tab to cycle)

Rules Structure

~/.claude/rules/
  security.md      # Mandatory security checks
  coding-style.md  # Immutability, file size limits
  testing.md       # TDD, 80% coverage
  git-workflow.md  # Conventional commits
  agents.md        # Subagent delegation rules
  patterns.md      # API response formats
  performance.md   # Model selection (Haiku vs Sonnet vs Opus)
  hooks.md         # Hook documentation

Subagents

~/.claude/agents/
  planner.md           # Break down features
  architect.md         # System design
  tdd-guide.md         # Write tests first
  code-reviewer.md     # Quality review
  security-reviewer.md # Vulnerability scan
  build-error-resolver.md
  e2e-runner.md        # Playwright tests
  refactor-cleaner.md  # Dead code removal
  doc-updater.md       # Keep docs synced

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Key Takeaways

1. Don't overcomplicate - treat configuration like fine-tuning, not architecture
2. Context window is precious - disable unused MCPs and plugins
3. Parallel execution - fork conversations, use git worktrees
4. Automate the repetitive - hooks for formatting, linting, reminders
5. Scope your subagents - limited tools = focused execution

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References

• Plugins Reference
• Hooks Documentation
• Checkpointing
• Interactive Mode
• Memory System
• Subagents
• MCP Overview

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Note: This is a subset of detail. See the Longform Guide for advanced patterns.

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Won the Anthropic x Forum Ventures hackathon in NYC building zenith.chat with @DRodriguezFX