1.4: Commands & Navigation
- Time to Complete: 20 minutes
Interactive lesson: Run
/start-1-4in Claude Code
Slash Commands Reference
Session Management
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
/clear | Start fresh conversation (keeps files, clears chat) |
/compact | Compress conversation to save context when running long |
/resume | Pick up where you left off after closing Claude Code |
Models & Usage
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
/model | Switch between Claude models (Sonnet = fast, Opus = smart) |
/usage | See how much of your quota you’ve used |
/cost | See cost breakdown for current session |
Context & Files
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
/context | See what files Claude is currently aware of |
/add-dir | Add a directory to Claude’s context |
/init | Initialize CLAUDE.md for a new project |
/memory | View or edit Claude’s memory for this project |
Agents & Permissions
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
/agents | Create and manage custom sub-agents |
/permissions | View and manage tool permissions |
Configuration
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
/config | Open configuration settings |
/doctor | Run health check and diagnostics |
/terminal-setup | Configure terminal integration |
/vim | Toggle vim keybindings |
Other
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
/help | See all available commands |
/bug | Report a bug to Anthropic |
/quit or /exit | Exit Claude Code |
Type / to see the full menu with descriptions.
Custom Slash Commands
- They’re files in
.claude/commands/ - Shortcuts for things you do repeatedly
- You can create your own (just ask Claude to make one)
- Important: Restart Claude Code after adding new commands
Escape to Interrupt
Press Escape to stop Claude mid-response.
- Useful when you see Claude going the wrong direction
- You’re always in control
Rewind Feature (Esc×2)
Press Escape twice to see rewind options:
- Reset conversation only (keep files Claude created)
- Reset conversation AND undo file changes
Like time travel for AI work - great for experimenting.
Think Keywords
| Keyword | Effect |
|---|---|
think | Normal thinking |
think harder | Deeper analysis |
ultrathink | Maximum thinking power (rainbow indicator!) |
Use for complex analysis and strategic decisions.
Warning: Uses more of your usage quota.
The Three Input Modes
Cycle with Shift+Tab:
| Mode | Behavior | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Edit (default) | Claude asks permission before changes | Safe, learning |
| Auto-accept | Claude just does it | Faster, trusted workflows |
| Plan | Claude creates plan first, you review, then it executes | Complex multi-step tasks |
The Power Mode
claude --dangerously-skip-permissionsLaunches Claude with NO permission prompts. Maximum speed - Claude just does everything.
Called “dangerously” for a reason - use when you trust the workflow.
Keyboard Shortcuts Summary
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
Escape | Interrupt Claude |
Escape × 2 | Rewind options |
Shift+Tab | Cycle input modes |
| `Ctrl+“ | Open terminal in editor |
Ctrl+V | Paste images (not Cmd+V on Mac!) |
What’s Next
1.5: Agents → - Parallel processing with multiple Claude instances