Your first real workflow with Claude Code
From an empty terminal to a reviewed change. A small, repeatable way to build with an AI coding partner.
Start with context
Open your project and ask Claude to explain the relevant files before making a change. Give it your goal, constraints, and a way to check the result.
Keep one task in focus
Describe one concrete improvement. Ask for a short plan, review it, then let Claude implement the agreed change. Store stable project instructions in CLAUDE.md.
Verify the result
Run the project’s tests and inspect the diff. Ask Claude to explain any failing check and resolve it before committing.
Try this prompt
Use the copyable prompt below on a small project. Adapt the test command to your repository. This is an introductory workflow; check the linked documentation for current commands.
The prompt
Read this project and explain its structure. Then propose a small implementation plan for [my task]. Wait for my review, implement it, run the relevant tests, and show me the diff.
Read the original sourceAnthropic · Claude Code best practices