I was using Claude Code wrong... The Ultimate Workflow

Introduction and Learning Resources 00:03

  • The speaker recently switched from Cursor to Claude Code and found ways to make workflow more effective.
  • Recommends a free ebook created by a Google principal analytics lead, sharing coding learning methodologies, including outputting personalized learning roadmaps and mastering Python in four months.
  • Guide includes advice on choosing the right coding language, best practice prompts for coding scenarios, and comes with a custom GPT and detailed tutorials.

Setting Up and Initial Configuration 01:34

  • Cloud Code extension can integrate with IDEs like Cursor, VS Code, or Wingserf.
  • After installation, running the init command allows Claude Code to analyze the codebase, learn about dependencies, and set up permissions.
  • "Dangerously skip permissions" can be used to auto-approve all requested permissions, though this is not recommended due to potential downsides for user interaction.

Cloud.md File and Spec-Driven Workflow 02:58

  • Claude Code generates a cloud.md file (similar to Cursor rules), containing tech stack, build commands, architecture, and project structure.
  • User can define specific prompts and rules, such as a "plan and review" mode that instructs Claude to always create and update a plan before starting work.
  • This spec-driven approach aligns with Amazon’s spec-driven development, involving a step-by-step process for requirements, architecture, and task breakdown.

Planning and Task Management 04:41

  • Plan mode in Claude Code uses a special system prompt that focuses the agent on planning, researching tech stacks, and generating architecture reports.
  • Claude uses sub-agents (task tools) for parallel tasks like file searching and keyword research, helping save token usage.
  • Users can prompt Claude to set up multiple parallel agent tasks or delegate tasks involving large files to these sub-agents for efficiency.

Implementation Process 06:41

  • After planning, Claude Code creates detailed implementation files and organizes tasks into phases (e.g., installing dependencies, implementing components like file explorer and terminal integration).
  • The agent manages and documents task progress using structured to-do lists, with priority and status for each item.
  • Progress is tracked and recorded in documentation files, letting users focus on specific work areas and update plans as needed.

Hooks: Customizing Claude Code Behavior 09:02

  • Hooks let users define actions to execute before or after Claude Code uses certain tools or completes certain actions.
  • Example: A "stop hook" can play a sound notification when a task finishes.
  • More advanced hooks can run scripts (e.g., Python type checks after file edits) and feed error results back to Claude Code for issue remediation.
  • Hooks can also automate tasks like writing and validating tests, updating documentation, or involving critic agents.

Custom Commands and Supercloud Package 11:56

  • Claude Code offers predefined commands and allows user-defined custom slash commands stored in a commands folder.
  • Examples include a command for telling a joke, extracting UI styles, or orchestrating multiple git worktrees with sub-agents.
  • The "supercloud" open-source package adds powerful commands for deeper code analysis, step-by-step implementation, troubleshooting, and project builds.
  • Installation and configuration involve Python package management and connecting command files.

Useful Features and Shortcuts 14:19

  • /resume lets users jump back to a prior conversation; /export copies conversation history for use across IDEs.
  • Double tapping "exit" allows reverting conversation history, but unlike Cursor, file snapshots are not kept automatically.
  • The external package "cc undo" can list and roll back changes Claude Code made to files; more user-friendly alternatives like "yo-yo" exist.
  • Typing "!" enters bash mode for running shell commands directly in Claude Code, and "#" triggers memory mode to store and recall information for a session or across projects.
  • Memory entries and settings are saved to configuration files.

Connecting Claude Code to the Kimi K2 Model 16:56

  • Users can run Claude Code with the Kimi K2 open-source coding model, which offers similar performance to Claude 3.5/4 at a much lower cost.
  • Setup involves exporting environment variables (e.g., API keys) in shell configuration files and launching Claude Code with these settings.
  • Additional customization includes maintaining per-directory context in prompts for more accurate command execution.

Final Tips and Community Resources 18:05

  • The speaker offers ongoing learning through the AI Builder Club, with weekly sessions, detailed workflow breakdowns, and shared resources like rules and hooks.
  • Upcoming content includes deep dives into Claude Code’s architecture and rebuilding its core features from scratch.
  • Users are invited to join the community via a link in the video description.