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‎notes/2025-06-29-ai-coding-assistant-en.md

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---
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title: "AI-Powered Coding Assistant Guide"
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lang: en
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layout: post
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audio: false
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translated: false
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generated: true
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---
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Claude Code is an AI-powered coding assistant developed by Anthropic, designed to integrate seamlessly into your terminal and enhance software development workflows through natural language commands. Below is a comprehensive guide to using Claude Code effectively, covering setup, key features, best practices, limitations, and practical examples. This guide is tailored for developers of all levels, from beginners to experienced engineers, and draws on insights from various sources to provide a clear and actionable overview.
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---
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## What is Claude Code?
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Claude Code is a terminal-based tool that leverages Anthropic’s advanced AI models (e.g., Claude 3.5 Sonnet and Opus 4) to assist with coding tasks. Unlike traditional coding assistants, it operates directly in your development environment, understanding your codebase, executing commands, and automating tasks like debugging, refactoring, and Git operations. It’s built with Anthropic’s “Constitutional AI” framework, prioritizing safety, clarity, and ethical use.[](https://docs.anthropic.com/en/docs/claude-code/overview)
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Key capabilities include:
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- **Codebase Understanding**: Analyzes entire codebases, including project structure and dependencies.
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- **Code Editing and Refactoring**: Modifies files, optimizes code, and improves readability.
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- **Debugging**: Identifies and fixes bugs, including type errors and performance issues.
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- **Testing and Linting**: Generates and runs tests, fixes failing tests, and enforces coding standards.
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- **Git Integration**: Manages Git workflows, such as commits, pull requests, and merge conflict resolution.
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- **Natural Language Interaction**: Allows you to issue commands in plain English, making it accessible to non-coders as well.[](https://docs.anthropic.com/en/docs/claude-code/overview)[](https://www.datacamp.com/tutorial/claude-code)
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---
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## Setting Up Claude Code
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### Prerequisites
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- **Anthropic Account**: You need an active Anthropic account with billing set up. Claude Code is available as part of the Pro or Max plans, or as a limited research preview for some users.[](https://x.com/AnthropicAI/status/1930307943502590255)[](https://www.anthropic.com/claude-code)
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- **Terminal Access**: Claude Code runs in your terminal, so ensure you have a compatible environment (e.g., Bash, Zsh).
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- **Project Directory**: Have a codebase ready for Claude Code to analyze.
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### Installation Steps
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1. **Sign Up or Log In**: Visit [claude.ai](https://claude.ai) or [anthropic.com](https://www.anthropic.com) to create an account or log in. For email login, enter the verification code sent to your inbox. For Google login, authenticate via your Google account.[](https://dorik.com/blog/how-to-use-claude-ai)
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2. **Install Claude Code**:
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- After authentication, Anthropic provides a link to install Claude Code. Run the provided command in your terminal to download and set it up. For example:
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```bash
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npm install -g claude-code
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```
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This command installs Claude Code globally.[](https://www.datacamp.com/tutorial/claude-code)
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3. **Navigate to Your Project**: Change to your project directory in the terminal:
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```bash
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cd /path/to/your/project
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```
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4. **Start Claude Code**: Launch Claude Code by running:
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```bash
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claude-code
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```
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This initiates an interactive REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop) session where you can issue natural language commands.[](https://docs.anthropic.com/en/docs/claude-code/overview)
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### Configuration
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- **Environment Integration**: Claude Code inherits your Bash environment, giving it access to tools like `git`, `npm`, or `python`. Ensure your custom tools are documented or specified in prompts, as Claude may not recognize them automatically.[](https://www.anthropic.com/engineering/claude-code-best-practices)[](https://harper.blog/2025/05/08/basic-claude-code/)
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- **Model Context Protocol (MCP)**: To integrate with external tools (e.g., GitHub, Slack), configure MCP settings in a `.mcp.json` file in your project directory. For debugging MCP issues, use the `--mcp-debug` flag.[](https://www.anthropic.com/engineering/claude-code-best-practices)[](https://www.codecademy.com/article/claude-code-tutorial-how-to-generate-debug-and-document-code-with-ai)
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- **Permissions**: Claude Code prompts for permission to execute commands. Grant “auto-execute” only for read-only commands (e.g., `git status`, `ls`) to avoid unintended changes. Deny auto-execution for commands like `git commit` or `rm`.[](https://waleedk.medium.com/claude-code-top-tips-lessons-from-the-first-20-hours-246032b943b4)
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---
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## Key Features and Use Cases
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### 1. Code Generation
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Claude Code can generate code snippets based on natural language prompts. It supports multiple programming languages, including Python, JavaScript, C, and more.[](https://www.tutorialspoint.com/claude_ai/claude_ai_code_generation.htm)
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**Example**:
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Prompt: “Write a Python function to sort a list of numbers, handling both positive and negative numbers.”
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```python
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def sort_numbers(numbers):
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"""
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Sorts a list of numbers (positive and negative) in ascending order.
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Args:
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numbers (list): List of integers or floats.
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Returns:
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list: Sorted list of numbers.
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"""
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return sorted(numbers)
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# Example usage
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numbers = [5, -2, 10, -8, 3]
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sorted_list = sort_numbers(numbers)
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print(sorted_list) # Output: [-8, -2, 3, 5, 10]
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```
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Claude generates the code, explains its functionality, and ensures it meets your requirements. Always review and test the output.[](https://www.tutorialspoint.com/claude_ai/claude_ai_code_generation.htm)
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### 2. Code Refactoring
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Claude Code excels at improving code readability, maintainability, and performance. It can refactor entire files or specific functions.
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**Example**:
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Prompt: “Refactor the `client.py` file in my Supabase project to improve readability and add docstrings.”
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- Claude analyzes `client.py`, suggests changes, and waits for confirmation. After approval, it updates the file with cleaner code, adds docstrings, and summarizes changes in the terminal.[](https://www.datacamp.com/tutorial/claude-code)
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### 3. Debugging
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Claude identifies and fixes bugs, including type errors, missing dependencies, and performance bottlenecks.
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**Example**:
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Prompt: “Debug this Python function that’s throwing a TypeError.”
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```python
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def add_numbers(a, b):
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return a + b
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# Called with: add_numbers("1", 2)
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```
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Claude might respond: “The TypeError occurs because `a` is a string and `b` is an integer. Here’s a fixed version:”
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```python
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def add_numbers(a, b):
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"""
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Adds two numbers, converting strings to numbers if necessary.
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Args:
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a: First number (int, float, or string).
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b: Second number (int, float, or string).
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Returns:
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float or int: Sum of the two numbers.
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"""
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a = float(a) if isinstance(a, str) else a
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b = float(b) if isinstance(b, str) else b
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return a + b
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```
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Run the updated code to verify the fix.[](https://www.codecademy.com/article/claude-code-tutorial-how-to-generate-debug-and-document-code-with-ai)
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### 4. Testing and Linting
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Claude can generate unit tests, run them, and fix failing tests or linting issues.
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**Example**:
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Prompt: “Write unit tests for the `sort_numbers` function and run them.”
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Claude generates:
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```python
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import unittest
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class TestSortNumbers(unittest.TestCase):
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def test_sort_numbers(self):
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self.assertEqual(sort_numbers([5, -2, 10, -8, 3]), [-8, -2, 3, 5, 10])
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self.assertEqual(sort_numbers([1.5, -1.5, 0]), [-1.5, 0, 1.5])
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self.assertEqual(sort_numbers([]), [])
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if __name__ == '__main__':
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unittest.main()
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```
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It then runs the tests and reports results.[](https://www.anthropic.com/engineering/claude-code-best-practices)
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### 5. Git Integration
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Claude automates Git tasks like committing changes, resolving merge conflicts, and creating pull requests.
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**Example**:
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Prompt: “Commit my changes and create a pull request with a description.”
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Claude executes:
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```bash
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git add .
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git commit -m "Refactored client.py for better readability and added docstrings"
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git push origin feature-branch
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gh pr create --title "Refactor client.py" --body "Improved readability and added documentation."
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```
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Review the commit and PR to ensure accuracy.[](https://docs.anthropic.com/en/docs/claude-code/overview)
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### 6. Codebase Analysis
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Claude can explain code architecture, logic, or dependencies.
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**Example**:
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Prompt: “Explain how the `client.py` file in my Supabase project works.”
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Claude provides a detailed breakdown of the file’s structure, key functions, and their purposes, often highlighting dependencies or potential improvements.[](https://www.datacamp.com/tutorial/claude-code)
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---
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## Best Practices for Using Claude Code
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1. **Be Specific with Prompts**:
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- Use clear, detailed prompts to avoid ambiguous results. For example, instead of “Make this better,” say, “Refactor this function to reduce time complexity and add comments.”[](https://www.codecademy.com/article/claude-code-tutorial-how-to-generate-debug-and-document-code-with-ai)
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2. **Break Down Complex Tasks**:
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- Divide large tasks into smaller steps (e.g., refactor one module at a time) to improve accuracy and speed.[](https://www.codecademy.com/article/claude-code-tutorial-how-to-generate-debug-and-document-code-with-ai)
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3. **Ask for Plans First**:
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- Request Claude to outline a plan before coding. For example: “Make a plan to refactor this file, then wait for my approval.” This ensures alignment with your goals.[](https://www.anthropic.com/engineering/claude-code-best-practices)
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4. **Review and Test Output**:
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- Always verify Claude’s suggestions, especially for critical projects, as it may miss edge cases or project-specific logic.[](https://www.codecademy.com/article/claude-code-tutorial-how-to-generate-debug-and-document-code-with-ai)
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5. **Use as a Pair Programmer**:
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- Treat Claude as a collaborative partner. Ask it to explain changes, suggest alternatives, or debug interactively.[](https://www.codecademy.com/article/claude-code-tutorial-how-to-generate-debug-and-document-code-with-ai)
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6. **Leverage Tab-Completion**:
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- Use tab-completion to reference files or folders quickly, helping Claude locate resources accurately.[](https://www.anthropic.com/engineering/claude-code-best-practices)
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7. **Manage Permissions Carefully**:
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- Only allow auto-execution for safe commands to prevent unintended changes (e.g., accidental `git add .` including sensitive files).[](https://waleedk.medium.com/claude-code-top-tips-lessons-from-the-first-20-hours-246032b943b4)
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8. **Store Prompt Templates**:
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- Save reusable prompts for repetitive tasks (e.g., debugging, log analysis) in `.claude/commands` as Markdown files.[](https://www.anthropic.com/engineering/claude-code-best-practices)
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9. **Test-Driven Development (TDD)**:
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- Ask Claude to write tests before implementing code to ensure robust solutions. Specify TDD explicitly to avoid mock implementations.[](https://www.anthropic.com/engineering/claude-code-best-practices)
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10. **Combine with Tools**:
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- Integrate Claude with tools like ClickUp Docs for centralized documentation or Apidog for API testing to enhance workflows.[](https://clickup.com/blog/how-to-use-claude-ai-for-coding/)[](https://apidog.com/blog/claude-code/)
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---
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## Practical Example: Refactoring a Supabase Python Client
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Let’s walk through a hands-on example using the Supabase Python library (`supabase-py`).
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1. **Setup**:
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- Navigate to the `supabase-py` directory:
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```bash
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cd /path/to/supabase-py
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claude-code
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```
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2. **Refactor**:
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- Prompt: “Refactor `client.py` to improve readability, add docstrings, and optimize performance.”
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- Claude analyzes the file, proposes changes (e.g., restructuring functions, adding type hints), and waits for approval.
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3. **Add Documentation**:
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- Prompt: “Add inline comments and docstrings to clarify the purpose of each function in `client.py`.”
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- Claude updates the file with clear documentation.
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4. **Test**:
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- Prompt: “Write unit tests for `client.py` and run them.”
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- Claude generates and executes tests, fixing any failures.
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5. **Commit Changes**:
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- Prompt: “Commit the refactored `client.py` with a descriptive message and create a pull request.”
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- Claude automates the Git workflow and provides a PR link.
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**Outcome**: The `client.py` file is now more readable, well-documented, tested, and committed, saving hours of manual work.[](https://www.datacamp.com/tutorial/claude-code)
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---
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## Limitations of Claude Code
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1. **Context Across Files**:
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- Claude may struggle with cross-file dependencies in large projects unless explicitly guided. Provide relevant file paths or context in prompts.[](https://www.codecademy.com/article/claude-code-tutorial-how-to-generate-debug-and-document-code-with-ai)
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2. **Domain-Specific Knowledge**:
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- It lacks deep understanding of project-specific business logic. You must provide detailed context for niche requirements.[](https://www.codecademy.com/article/claude-code-tutorial-how-to-generate-debug-and-document-code-with-ai)
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3. **Overconfidence**:
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- Claude may suggest plausible but incorrect code for edge cases. Always test thoroughly.[](https://www.codecademy.com/article/claude-code-tutorial-how-to-generate-debug-and-document-code-with-ai)
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4. **Tool Recognition**:
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- Claude may not recognize custom tools (e.g., `uv` instead of `pip`) without explicit instructions.[](https://harper.blog/2025/05/08/basic-claude-code/)
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5. **Rate Limits**:
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- Usage is limited (e.g., 45 messages every 5 hours on the Pro plan). Heavy users may need to manage quotas or upgrade to the Max plan.[](https://zapier.com/blog/claude-vs-chatgpt/)
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6. **Preview Status**:
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- As of June 2025, Claude Code is in a limited research preview, so access may be restricted. Join the waitlist if unavailable.[](https://www.datacamp.com/tutorial/claude-code)
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---
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## Tips for Maximizing Productivity
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- **Use Artifacts**: Claude’s Artifacts feature creates persistent, editable content (e.g., code snippets, documentation) that you can revisit and refine.[](https://zapier.com/blog/claude-ai/)
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- **Combine with IDEs**: Pair Claude Code with IDEs like VS Code or Cursor for real-time previews (e.g., React apps with Tailwind CSS).[](https://www.descope.com/blog/post/claude-vs-chatgpt)
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- **Vibe Coding**: For non-coders, treat Claude as a general-purpose agent. Describe your goal (e.g., “Build a to-do app”), and it will guide you step-by-step.[](https://natesnewsletter.substack.com/p/the-claude-code-complete-guide-learn)
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- **Learn from Feedback**: Share feedback with Anthropic to improve Claude Code. Feedback is stored for 30 days and not used for model training.[](https://github.com/anthropics/claude-code)
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- **Experiment with Prompts**: Use structured prompts like:
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```
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<behavior_rules>
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Execute exactly what is requested. Produce code that implements the following: [describe task]. No additional features. Follow [language/framework] standards.
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</behavior_rules>
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```
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This ensures precise outputs.
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---
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## Pricing and Access
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- **Free Access**: Limited usage is available with Claude’s Pro plan, included in the $20/month subscription (or $200/year with a discount).[](https://www.anthropic.com/claude-code)
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- **Max Plan**: Offers higher quotas and access to both Claude Sonnet 4 and Opus 4 for larger codebases.[](https://www.anthropic.com/claude-code)
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- **API Access**: For custom integrations, use Anthropic’s API. Details at [x.ai/api](https://x.ai/api).[](https://www.anthropic.com/claude-code)
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- **Waitlist**: If Claude Code is in preview, join the waitlist at [anthropic.com](https://www.anthropic.com).[](https://www.datacamp.com/tutorial/claude-code)
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---
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## Why Choose Claude Code?
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Claude Code stands out for its deep codebase awareness, seamless terminal integration, and ability to handle complex, multi-step tasks. It’s particularly effective for:
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- **Developers**: Accelerates coding, debugging, and testing, saving hours per week.[](https://medium.com/dare-to-be-better/claude-code-the-ai-developers-secret-weapon-0faac1248080)
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- **Non-Coders**: Enables “vibe coding,” where anyone can build apps by describing ideas in plain English.[](https://natesnewsletter.substack.com/p/the-claude-code-complete-guide-learn)
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- **Teams**: Enhances collaboration by standardizing documentation and automating Git workflows.[](https://www.codecademy.com/article/claude-code-tutorial-how-to-generate-debug-and-document-code-with-ai)
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Compared to alternatives like ChatGPT or GitHub Copilot, Claude Code offers superior contextual understanding and safety-focused design, though it may lack real-time web access or image generation.[](https://www.descope.com/blog/post/claude-vs-chatgpt)[](https://zapier.com/blog/claude-vs-chatgpt/)
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---
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## Conclusion
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Claude Code is a transformative tool that streamlines software development by combining AI reasoning with terminal-based workflows. By following best practices—clear prompts, step-by-step tasks, and thorough reviews—you can leverage its capabilities to write, refactor, debug, and document code efficiently. While it has limitations, such as context gaps in large projects, its ability to understand codebases and automate tasks makes it a powerful ally for developers and non-coders alike.
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To get started, sign up at [anthropic.com](https://www.anthropic.com), install Claude Code, and experiment with small tasks in your codebase. Share feedback with Anthropic to help shape its future, and explore integrations with tools like ClickUp or Apidog to maximize its potential.[](https://www.datacamp.com/tutorial/claude-code)[](https://apidog.com/blog/claude-code/)[](https://clickup.com/blog/how-to-use-claude-ai-for-coding/)
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For further details, visit:
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- [Anthropic’s Claude Code Overview](https://docs.anthropic.com)[](https://docs.anthropic.com/en/docs/claude-code/overview)
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- [Claude Code Best Practices](https://www.anthropic.com)[](https://www.anthropic.com/engineering/claude-code-best-practices)
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Happy coding with Claude Code!

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