Reference¶

Quick reference for commands, troubleshooting, and official documentation links.

Commands Cheatsheet¶

Session Management¶

Command	Purpose
`/clear`	Reset context window completely
`/compact`	Summarize and compress context
`/context`	Show current token usage
`/memory`	View and edit persistent memory
`/init`	Bootstrap CLAUDE.md from repo
`Ctrl+O`	Toggle verbose output

Shortcut	Purpose
`Ctrl+C` or `Escape`	Cancel current generation
`Escape` × 2	Rewind conversation to a previous point

Thinking & Effort¶

Action	How
Set effort level	`/effort` command or `CLAUDE_CODE_EFFORT_LEVEL` env var (`low`/`medium`/`high`/`max`/`auto`)
Toggle thinking	`Option+T` (macOS) / `Alt+T` (Linux/Windows)
Max thinking budget	`MAX_THINKING_TOKENS` env var
Always-on thinking	`alwaysThinkingEnabled` setting

Tools & Extensions¶

Command	Purpose
`/mcp`	Check MCP server status
`/skills`	List available skills
`/hooks`	Manage hooks (interactive UI)
`/agents`	Manage agents interactively
`/plugin`	Plugin manager
`/plugin list`	List installed plugins
`/plugin install <name>`	Install a plugin
`/plugin marketplace add <source>`	Add a marketplace

GitHub Integration¶

Command	Purpose
`/install-github-app`	Install the Claude GitHub App for CI integration
`gh issue view <id>`	View issue details
`gh pr create`	Create pull request

CLI Management¶

# Add MCP server (user scope)
claude mcp add <name> -s user --transport http <url>

# Add MCP server (project scope)
claude mcp add <name> -- <command> <args>

# List MCP servers
claude mcp list

Troubleshooting¶

Context Issues¶

Claude ignores CLAUDE.md rules Context rot — rules from session start are forgotten. Use /compact to refresh, add CRITICAL markers to essential rules, or /clear and restart.

Claude produces inconsistent code Too much context from previous tasks. Use /clear to start fresh.

Claude forgets earlier decisions Decision fell out of active context in a long session. Use /compact, repeat important constraints, or use the task system to track decisions.

MCP Issues¶

Server won't connect

Package installs correctly: npx -y <package>
Environment variables are set: echo $VAR
Network accessible for HTTP servers
Check /mcp for status and errors

Server times out Check if the process is hanging. Try restarting Claude Code.

Hook Issues¶

Hook doesn't run Check matcher pattern ("Edit|Write"), JSON syntax in settings, and script permissions (chmod +x).

Hook blocks everything Script exits with code 2 unintentionally. Add || exit 0 to non-critical checks.

Hook is too slow Lint only the changed file, not the entire project. Move expensive checks to Stop event.

Skill Issues¶

Skill doesn't activate Check description trigger phrases, YAML frontmatter syntax, /skills list, and try explicit /skill-name.

Instructions are ignored Make instructions specific with numbered steps, concrete examples, and IMPORTANT markers.

Code Quality Issues¶

Inconsistent patterns — Always explore existing code before implementing. Reference specific files.

Over-engineering — Prompt: "Use the simplest approach following our existing patterns."

Hallucinated APIs — Review imports carefully. Use LSP plugins for type checking. Run tests after every change.

Deleted tests — Add to CLAUDE.md: "NEVER delete existing tests."

Performance Issues¶

Claude is slow — Context nearly full (use /compact), slow MCP servers, or large files being read repeatedly.

Tests take too long — Run specific files (pytest tests/auth/ -x), full suite only at the end.

Official Documentation¶

Topic	URL
Getting Started	code.claude.com/docs/en/getting-started
CLAUDE.md & Memory	code.claude.com/docs/en/memory
MCP Servers	code.claude.com/docs/en/mcp
Permissions	code.claude.com/docs/en/permissions
Settings & Hooks	code.claude.com/docs/en/settings
Skills	code.claude.com/docs/en/skills
Sub-agents	code.claude.com/docs/en/sub-agents
Agent Teams	code.claude.com/docs/en/agent-teams
Best Practices	code.claude.com/docs/en/best-practices