8 Powerful Tricks to Master Claude Code and Supercharge Your AI Coding Workflow

Claude Code is widely regarded as one of the most powerful AI coding tools available today. However, many users aren’t leveraging its full potential. In this blog post, we’ll dive into eight essential tricks that can transform how you use Claude Code, enabling you to build software faster, with better quality, and fewer errors. These insights are drawn from the creator of an AI app generating $300,000 a year, so you know they’re battle-tested.

Introduction

If you’re new to Claude Code, it’s worth downloading and trying it out alongside this guide. Claude Code excels at helping developers write code through AI-assisted prompts, but to truly harness its power, you need to use it strategically. Let’s explore the eight tricks that will make you a Claude Code expert.

Trick 1: Use a Custom claude.md Rules File to Guide AI Behavior

One game-changing tip is creating a claude.md file in your project root. This file contains rules that Claude Code reads with every prompt. The creator recommends a set of seven specific rules that make Claude break down every coding task into tiny, manageable subtasks.

Why this matters:
- Breaking tasks down step-by-step reduces bugs.
- Claude creates a folder documenting all tasks, allowing you to review its thought process.
- With this approach, the user hasn't experienced a single bug in months.

Action:
Pause and download the recommended rules from the video description and add them to your own claude.md file immediately.

Trick 2: Master Plan Mode for Flawless Execution

Plan Mode is Claude Code’s secret weapon for ensuring you get exactly what you want.

How to use Plan Mode:
- Press Shift + Tab twice to enter Plan Mode.
- Describe in detail the feature or code you want.
- Claude will generate a detailed plan instead of jumping straight to coding.

Key tips:
- Overuse Plan Mode — use it for every micro-step to avoid errors.
- Use the Opus model for planning (/mod opus) and Sonnet for executing the plan (/mod sonnet).
- This approach improves planning quality and reduces costs (important if you’re on a limited subscription).

Trick 3: Use GitHub as Your Checkpoint System

Unlike some AI coding tools, Claude Code doesn’t have built-in checkpoints to rewind your code. The workaround is to commit your code to GitHub frequently—ideally after every successful coding step.

Benefits:
- Easily revert to previous commits if Claude makes a mistake.
- Maintains a reliable history of your project’s evolution.

Action:
Start integrating GitHub into your workflow now. If you’re unsure how, Claude Code can generate the necessary commands and help you set it up.

Trick 4: Incorporate Images to Inspire UI and Fix Bugs

Claude Code can process images, which is a powerful feature often overlooked.

Use cases for images:
- Inspiration: Screenshot UI elements from apps you like (e.g., to-do list designs) and paste them into Claude Code. Then prompt Claude to build similar UI components.
- Bug Fixing: Screenshot errors or UI glitches and provide them to Claude with instructions to fix or improve.

Tip for Mac users: Use Command + Shift + 4 to take selective screenshots to drag into Claude Code.

Trick 5: Use /clear to Reset Context and Save Money

Overloading Claude Code with hours of context increases hallucinations (errors) and wastes tokens, which can be costly.

When to use /clear:
- After Claude completes a sizable task or set of subtasks.
- Frequently, to keep context fresh and relevant.

Benefits:
- Reduces hallucinations and mistakes.
- Saves you money by lowering token usage.

Trick 6: Run Security Checks on Every Feature

Security is often overlooked but critical, especially if you're releasing apps publicly.

How to ensure secure code:
- After every feature is built, run a security check prompt asking Claude to verify best practices.
- Ensure no sensitive data (API keys, passwords) is exposed on the front end.
- Check for vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit.

Reminder: Many novice developers face hacking issues due to insecure code. Make security checks a mandatory step in your workflow.

Trick 7: Learn from Claude by Asking It to Explain Code

Even if you’re new to coding, understanding what Claude builds is essential.

How to do this:
After security checks, prompt Claude to explain the code in detail as if teaching a new engineer.

Why it helps:
- Improves your understanding of your app’s data flow and functionality.
- Enables you to write better prompts, leading to better code from Claude.
- Accelerates your learning curve dramatically.

Trick 8: Use Claude Code’s Downtime for Idea Generation Instead of Doomscrolling

Claude Code can take time—sometimes 15-30 minutes—to complete tasks. The natural temptation is to waste this waiting time on distractions like social media.

Better approach:
- Use a dedicated chat with Claude for brainstorming, reflecting on business ideas, or planning next steps while the AI works.
- This technique boosts productivity and mental well-being.

Result:
The creator’s productivity reportedly increased by 4000% after adopting this habit, and they generated dozens of new app ideas.

Conclusion

By incorporating these eight tricks into your Claude Code workflow, you’ll build apps faster, write cleaner and more secure code, and maintain better mental focus. Don’t forget to grab the prompts and rules mentioned above—they’re key to unlocking Claude Code’s full potential.

Which of these tips resonated most with you? Let us know in the comments! And if you want more AI coding insights, subscribe and turn on notifications for future videos.

Harness the power of Claude Code like a pro and elevate your AI-assisted development today!