# I Went Deep on Claude Code—These Are My Top 13 Tricks
Table of Contents
These notes are based on the YouTube video by Matt Maher
Getting Started with Claude Code
To get started with Claude Code, you first need to install it globally via npm by running npm install -g claude-code in your terminal. Once installed, you can open Claude Code in a project folder by typing claude in the terminal. This is the standard way to launch Claude Code in a coding environment. It’s recommended to open Claude Code in a project folder where you’re writing code.
Integrating Claude Code with IDEs
Claude Code can be integrated with IDEs like Visual Studio Code, although integration with Cursor has been inconsistent as of mid-2025. Users have reported that the official Claude Code extension is not always available in the extension marketplace, and manual installation may be required. Some users have experienced broken or unreliable integration, especially after updates. To integrate Claude Code with an IDE, simply run claude in the terminal within the IDE. The /ide slash command can be used to select or check the status of the IDE connection.
Initializing a New Project
To get started with a new project in Claude Code, use the /init slash command. This command scans the project, records information in a special file named .claude/claude.md (inside a .claude folder), and precedes all chats with this information.
Managing Conversation History
As you have conversations in Claude Code, the context window can get pretty big. To manage this, you can use the /compact slash command to summarize the conversation history and keep the nuances. You can also use the /clear slash command to clear everything out and start a new conversation history.
Changing the Model
If you have an Anthropic subscription, you can change the model you’re using. To do this, use the /model slash command and choose between available models such as Opus and Sonnet.
Referencing Files
You can reference files in Claude Code by dragging and dropping them into the terminal or by using the @ command. You can also use the control + v shortcut to paste a file into the terminal.
Custom Commands
Claude Code allows you to create custom commands using Markdown files in a .claude folder. These commands can be used to automate tasks and make your workflow more efficient. For example, you can create a custom command to tell a joke or to save a file.
Project Settings
Claude Code also allows you to create project settings using files in the .claude folder. These settings can be used to customize your workflow and make it more efficient within Claude Code itself.
Using Claude Code as a Utility
Claude Code can be used as a utility at the command line or within another script. For example, you can use Claude Code to evaluate text on your clipboard and save it as a file.
Hooks
Claude Code allows you to create hooks that run at different points in your workflow. For example, you can create a hook that runs when a task is completed and plays a sound file. You can use the /hooks slash command to manage your hooks.
Conclusion
Claude Code is a powerful tool that can be used to automate tasks and make your workflow more efficient. By integrating Claude Code with IDEs (noting current limitations), managing conversation history, and using custom commands and project settings, you can make the most out of this tool. Additionally, using Claude Code as a utility and creating hooks can help you streamline your workflow and make it more enjoyable. With these tips and tricks, you can take your Claude Code experience to the next level and make it an essential part of your daily workflow.
