How should I structure prompts for Claude Code?

Use the RCCF method, which stands for Role, Context, Command, and Format. Define the role the AI takes, provide thorough context, issue a clear command, and specify the desired output format.

What should I put in my CLAUDE.md file?

Keep the main file under 200 lines with only essential rules, paths, and business context. You can also add smaller CLAUDE.md files inside specific subsystems to handle local conventions and gotchas.

What are hooks in Claude Code?

Hooks are custom configurations in .claude/settings.json that automate preventive actions. Examples include blocking dangerous bash commands, auto-formatting files on save, and preserving context across compaction.

When should I use plan mode in Claude Code?

Use plan mode for complex tasks so Claude outlines its approach before writing code. This helps verify the direction before actual code generation starts.

Claude Code Best Practices for Prompting and Context

To get the most out of Claude Code, use structured prompts, manage your context window carefully, and apply its agentic features strategically.

Break complex tasks into smaller focused prompts instead of doing everything at once, which makes outputs more reliable and easier to review.

Keep your root CLAUDE.md file concise, set it up in specific directories for local rules, and use plan mode or custom skills to handle advanced workflows.

Key Steps

Optimize prompts Use the RCCF method and encourage clarifying questions.
Manage context Keep CLAUDE.md short and use per-directory configurations.
Leverage subagents Delegate verbose exploration tasks to keep the main window focused.
Set up hooks Automate actions like format-on-save and blocking dangerous commands.
Create skills Turn frequent instructions into skills for streamlined workflows.
Use plan mode Have Claude outline its approach for complex tasks before generating code.

Claude Code Best Practices for Prompting and Context — infographic

To maximize your productivity with Claude Code, focus on structured prompting, diligent context management, and strategic use of its agentic capabilities. This approach helps in overcoming its limitations and leveraging its strengths for effective code generation and project management.

Optimize Your Prompts

Encourage Clarification: Prompt Claude to ask clarifying questions to ensure it fully understands your requirements. "Ask me as many questions to clarify so you understand exactly what I want."

Define Role and Format: Structure your prompts using the RCCF method: Role, Context, Command, Format, to guide Claude's output. "Define the Role the AI should take on, Provide the AI with relevant, thorough Context, Issue a clear and specific Command, Specify the Format you want the results in."

Break Down Tasks: Decompose complex tasks into smaller, focused prompts to improve reliability and simplify review. "breaking tasks into smaller focused prompts rather than trying to do everything in one shot - the outputs are way more reliable and easier to review."

Manage Context Effectively

Keep CLAUDE.md Concise: Limit your main CLAUDE.md file to essential rules, paths, and business context, ideally under 200 lines, to prevent context bloat. "Keep CLAUDE.md short. I personally always aim for 200 lines or under."

Utilize Subagents for Exploration: Delegate verbose or noisy tasks, such as extensive searches in large codebases, to subagents to keep the main context window clean and focused. "Subagents split exploration from editing."

Use Per-Directory CLAUDE.md: Implement CLAUDE.md files within specific modules or directories to provide context-specific rules and conventions. "a small CLAUDE.md inside each major subsystem — with conventions specific to that area ("/payments uses this lib", "/auth has these gotchas") — does way more work than a giant root file trying to summarize everything."

Leverage Advanced Features

Implement Hooks: Set up custom hooks in .claude/settings.json to automate preventive actions and enforce specific behaviors. "Hooks are the real power feature. I have 10 configured... pre-bash-guard blocks dangerous commands, format-on-save auto-formats every file edit, pre-compact/post-compact preserves context across compaction, and a StopFailure hook logs API errors for diagnostics."

Create Skills for Repetitive Workflows: Turn frequently repeated instructions or sequences into skills to streamline your workflow and allow Claude to trigger them autonomously. "Create skills for repetitive workflows."

Use Plan Mode and Verification: For complex tasks, initiate "Plan Mode" to have Claude outline its approach before generating code, and always integrate verification steps. "Use "plan" mode for anything complex."

Do you want to explore specific examples of CLAUDE.md files or custom hooks?