# Claude Code cheatsheet (2026 patterns + commands + workflows)

**Source:** https://promtable.com/cheatsheet/claude-code-cheatsheet

> Production patterns for Claude Code in 2026: slash commands, plan-first workflow, multi-file refactor, tool design via MCP, agent loops, autonomous PR loops, and the patterns that actually ship.

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Production patterns for Claude Code in 2026: slash commands, plan-first workflow, multi-file refactor, tool design via MCP, agent loops, autonomous PR loops, and the patterns that actually ship.

**Tool:** Claude Code

## Core workflow

Claude Code defaults are good. Lean on them before customising.

| Item | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| `Plan first` | Ask Claude Code to outline the change before editing. Catches misunderstandings early. |  |
| `Small diffs` | Iterate in tight loops — small changes, run tests, repeat. |  |
| `Run + verify` | Let Claude Code run the tests after each change. Don't manually verify what it can verify. |  |
| `Read before write` | Claude reads files before editing. Don't skip this — it's how it understands context. |  |

## Slash commands

| Item | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| `/init` | Bootstrap a CLAUDE.md from the current repo. |  |
| `/clear` | Reset conversation state when context is bloated. |  |
| `/compact` | Compact the conversation into a tight summary. |  |
| `/cost` | Show token spend for the current session. |  |
| `/model` | Switch underlying model (Sonnet / Opus / Haiku). |  |
| `Custom slash commands` | Add Markdown files in ~/.claude/commands or .claude/commands for reusable workflows. |  |

## CLAUDE.md and AGENTS.md

Project-level memory. Put rules, conventions, and gotchas here.

| Item | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| `Project root CLAUDE.md` | Repo-wide rules: build commands, code style, deploy steps, file structure. |  |
| `Per-directory CLAUDE.md` | Directory-scoped rules. Claude reads the nearest CLAUDE.md when working in that dir. |  |
| `AGENTS.md` | Compatible cross-tool agent rules. Works with Codex, OpenAI Agents SDK, and Claude Code. |  |
| `Keep it short` | Big CLAUDE.md files eat context every turn. Aim for under 1000 tokens unless necessary. |  |

## Tool / MCP design

| Item | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| `MCP servers` | Add tools via MCP. Configure in claude_desktop_config.json or via /mcp. |  |
| `Native bash + edit + read` | Claude Code ships with native tools. Don't replace them with custom unless needed. |  |
| `Skill files` | Package recurring workflows as Skills — scripts + instructions Claude can load. |  |

## Autonomous loops

| Item | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| `Plan → execute → verify` | The reliable autonomous pattern: plan, run, test, fix, repeat. |  |
| `Always-on tests` | Tell Claude to run the test suite after every change. Catches regressions early. |  |
| `Use a budget` | Set --max-turns or similar so loops can't run away. |  |
| `Human approval gates` | Force human approval before destructive actions (DB writes, deploys, force-push). |  |

## Debug + observability

| Item | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| `/cost` | Per-session token spend. |  |
| `Sample transcripts` | Save successful + failed sessions for prompt eval improvements. |  |
| `MCP server logs` | Each MCP server logs separately — check there when tool calls fail. |  |

## FAQ

### Best Claude Code workflow in 2026?

Plan first, small diffs, run + verify in tight loops, tests on every change.

### Where do I put project conventions?

CLAUDE.md at the repo root for repo-wide rules; per-directory CLAUDE.md for scoped rules; AGENTS.md if you want cross-tool compatibility.

### Should I write custom MCP servers?

Only when native tools don't cover what you need. Most repos work fine with bash + edit + read.

## Related

- [/glossary/agent](https://promtable.com/glossary/agent)
- [/glossary/mcp](https://promtable.com/glossary/mcp)
- [/glossary/agent-loop](https://promtable.com/glossary/agent-loop)
- [/cheatsheet/claude-system-prompt-patterns](https://promtable.com/cheatsheet/claude-system-prompt-patterns)

*Last updated: 2026-06-01*
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Original page: https://promtable.com/cheatsheet/claude-code-cheatsheet
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