Every shortcut, slash command, and mode in Claude Code on one page. You'll reference this daily.
First-Time Setup (Do This Once)
| Step |
Command |
| 1. Install Claude Code |
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code |
| 2. Verify it worked |
claude --version |
| 3. Authenticate |
claude (follow browser prompts) |
| 4. Set permission mode |
claude config set --global permission-mode acceptEdits |
| 5. Create project memory |
claude then type /init |
| 6. Set your preferred model |
claude config set --global model claude-sonnet-4-6 |
Prerequisites: Node.js 18+ (node --version) and Git (git --version). You need a Claude Pro ($20/mo), Max, Team, or Enterprise subscription — or API credits.
Permission Modes
Cycle through modes with Shift + Tab
| Mode |
What It Does |
When To Use |
| Ask Before Edits |
Claude asks permission for every change |
Learning / unfamiliar codebase |
| Auto-Accept |
File edits auto-approved, bash still asks |
Daily workflow (most of the time) |
| Plan Mode |
Claude thinks and plans BEFORE writing code |
New features, complex tasks, new projects |
| YOLO Mode |
Full autonomy — Claude runs everything |
After you've reviewed and trust the plan |
The 90/10 Rule: Spend 90% of your time in Plan Mode. Switch to YOLO only after you trust the plan. A minute of planning saves 10 minutes of building and significantly reduces token costs.
Slash Commands
| Command |
What It Does |
/init |
Auto-generates a claude.md by scanning your entire codebase |
/clear |
Reset conversation memory — clean slate, zero context bloat |
/compact |
Compress conversation to save context window tokens |
/commit |
Stage and commit changes with AI-generated message |
/pr |
Create a pull request with AI-generated description |
/review |
Review code changes for bugs and quality |
/help |
Show all available commands |
/model |
Switch Claude models mid-session |
/fast |
Toggle fast mode (same model, faster output) |
/cost |
Show token usage and cost for current session |
/memory |
View and edit project memory |
/quit |
End the session |
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Shortcut |
What It Does |
Shift + Tab |
Cycle through permission modes |
Enter |
Send message |
Shift + Enter |
New line (multi-line input) |
Escape (once) |
Cancel current generation |
Escape (twice) |
Clear conversation (same as /clear) |
Ctrl + C |
Cancel or exit session |
Tab |
Accept autocomplete suggestion |
Up Arrow |
Scroll through message history |
Terminal Commands
| Command |
What It Does |
claude |
Start a new interactive session |
claude "prompt here" |
Start with an initial prompt |
claude -r |
Resume your most recent conversation |
claude -c |
Continue last conversation |
claude -p "prompt" |
Pipe mode (non-interactive) |
claude config |
Open settings |
claude update |
Update to latest version |
claude mcp add |
Add an MCP server |
claude mcp list |
List connected MCP servers |
claude mcp remove |
Remove an MCP server |