10 Tips to Get More out of claude code

•By Blacdisk Team

Here are 10 practical tips for getting more out of Claude Code:

Use CLAUDE.md file
Drop a CLAUDE.md in your project root with conventions, architecture notes, common commands (build/test/lint), and gotchas. Claude Code automatically checks this at the start of sessions, so you don't have to repeat context every single time.
Let it explore before it edits
For unfamiliar codebases, ask Claude to read and summarize relevant files first (e.g. "look at how auth is handled in this repo before making changes"). This gives better results than jumping straight to fix this problem.
Be specific about scope
Tell Claude exactly which files or directories to touch, especially in large repos. "Only modify files in src/api/" prevents unwanted sprawl into unrelated code, reducing token usage and preventing context bloating..
Use it for planning, not just coding
Ask Claude to write out a plan before implementing, especially for multi-step refactors. You can review and course-correct before any code changes happen.
Give it a way to verify itself
If you have tests, linters, or a build step, mention them explicitly ("run npm test after changes"). Claude Code can run these and iterate based on failures, which massively improves correctness versus trying to one-shot every feature.
Use git as a safety net
Commit before big Claude Code sessions so you can diff or revert easily. Ask Claude to make small, reviewable commits rather than one giant change.
Delegate multi-file refactors
This is where Claude Code shines over inline editors renaming, restructuring, or propagating a change across many files in one pass.
Use custom slash commands
You can define reusable commands/scripts for repeated workflows (e.g., a specific deploy check or code review format) so you're not retyping the same instructions.
Run it in the background for long tasks
For things like large test suites or long builds, let Claude Code kick them off and check back rather than blocking the conversation.
Combine with MCP servers
If you use tools like GitHub, Jira, or a database, connecting them via MCP lets Claude Code pull real context (issues, schemas, PRs) instead of guessing.