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99### AGENTS.md

1010

11A markdown file of project instructions you write for AI coding agents. If your repository has one and no [CLAUDE.md](#claude-md), Claude reads it as your project instructions without you adding a second file. You can change the **Project instructions** setting in `/config` to have Claude read both files or only `CLAUDE.md`. Reading `AGENTS.md` directly requires Claude Code v2.1.277 or later. In some sessions Claude [can't read `AGENTS.md`](/docs/en/memory#when-agents-md-support-is-unavailable), so [import it from a `CLAUDE.md`](/docs/en/memory#share-one-file-with-other-coding-tools) there instead.

11A markdown file of project instructions you write for AI coding agents. If your repository has one and no [CLAUDE.md](#claude-md), Claude reads it as your project instructions without you adding a second file. You can change the **Project instructions** setting in `/config` to have Claude read both files or only `CLAUDE.md`. Reading `AGENTS.md` directly requires Claude Code v2.1.277 or later. In some sessions Claude [can't read `AGENTS.md`](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/memory#when-agents-md-support-is-unavailable), so [import it from a `CLAUDE.md`](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/memory#share-one-file-with-other-coding-tools) there instead.

1212

13Learn more: [AGENTS.md](/docs/en/memory.md#agents-md)

13Learn more: [AGENTS.md](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/memory.md#agents-md)

1414

1515### Agent teams

1616

17Multiple independent Claude Code sessions coordinated by a team lead, with a shared task list and peer-to-peer messaging. Unlike [subagents](#subagent), which run within a single session and report only to the parent, teammates each have their own context window and you can interact with any of them directly. Agent teams are experimental and disabled by default; see [Enable agent teams](/docs/en/agent-teams.md#enable-agent-teams).

1818

19Learn more: [Run agent teams](/docs/en/agent-teams.md)

19Learn more: [Run agent teams](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/agent-teams.md)

2020

2121### Agentic coding

2222

2323A workflow where the AI can read files, run commands, and make changes autonomously while you watch, redirect, or step away, as opposed to chat-based assistants that only respond with text you must apply yourself. Claude Code is agentic because it has [tools](#tool) that let it act, not just advise.

2424

25Learn more: [How Claude Code works](/docs/en/how-claude-code-works.md)

25Learn more: [How Claude Code works](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/how-claude-code-works.md)

2626

2727### Agentic harness

2828

2929The tools, context management, and execution environment that turn a language model into a capable coding agent. Claude Code is the harness; Claude is the model inside it. The harness supplies file access, shell execution, permission gating, memory loading, and the loop that chains actions together.

3030

31Learn more: [How Claude Code works](/docs/en/how-claude-code-works.md)

31Learn more: [How Claude Code works](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/how-claude-code-works.md)

3232

3333### Agentic loop

3434

3535The cycle Claude works through for every task: gather context, take action, verify results, and repeat until done. Each tool use returns information that informs the next step. You can interrupt the loop at any point to redirect. Most extension points, including [hooks](#hook), [skills](#skill), and [MCP](#mcp-model-context-protocol), plug into specific phases of this loop.

3636

37Learn more: [How Claude Code works](/docs/en/how-claude-code-works.md#the-agentic-loop)

37Learn more: [How Claude Code works](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/how-claude-code-works.md#the-agentic-loop)

3838

3939### Artifact

4040

41A live, interactive web page Claude Code publishes from your session to a private URL on claude.ai, so you can see output visually or share it instead of reading terminal text. The page updates in place when the session republishes. Artifacts you create from Claude Code appear in the same gallery as artifacts created in claude.ai conversations. Sharing options depend on your plan: see [Share an artifact](/docs/en/artifacts.md#share-an-artifact).

4242

43Learn more: [Share session output as artifacts](/docs/en/artifacts.md)

43Learn more: [Share session output as artifacts](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/artifacts.md)

4444

4545### Auto memory

4646

4747Notes Claude writes for itself based on your corrections and preferences, stored per git repository under `~/.claude/projects/`. All worktrees of the same repository share one auto memory directory. The first 200 lines or 25 KB of the `MEMORY.md` index loads at the start of every session. Auto memory is the Claude-written counterpart to [CLAUDE.md](#claude-md), which you write.

4848

49Learn more: [Auto memory](/docs/en/memory.md#auto-memory)

49Learn more: [Auto memory](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/memory.md#auto-memory)

5050

5151### Auto mode

5252

53A [permission mode](#permission-mode) where a separate classifier model reviews actions instead of you, so Claude Code runs most of them without asking you. Claude Code still asks you before actions your explicit ask rules match. With Claude Code v2.1.283 or later, auto mode is the [built-in starting permission mode](/docs/en/permission-modes.md#which-mode-a-session-starts-in) for interactive terminal and VS Code sessions, and on earlier versions only on Pro, Max, and Team plans. The classifier blocks scope escalation, untrusted infrastructure, and [prompt injection](#prompt-injection). Tool results are stripped from what it sees, so hostile content in a file or web page can't manipulate it directly.

53A [permission mode](#permission-mode) where a separate classifier model reviews actions instead of you, so Claude Code runs most of them without asking you. Claude Code still asks you before actions your explicit ask rules match. With Claude Code v2.1.283 or later, auto mode is the [built-in starting permission mode](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/permission-modes.md#which-mode-a-session-starts-in) for interactive terminal and VS Code sessions, and on earlier versions only on Pro, Max, and Team plans. The classifier blocks scope escalation, untrusted infrastructure, and [prompt injection](#prompt-injection). Tool results are stripped from what it sees, so hostile content in a file or web page can't manipulate it directly.

5454

55Learn more: [Eliminate prompts with auto mode](/docs/en/permission-modes.md#eliminate-prompts-with-auto-mode)

55Learn more: [Eliminate prompts with auto mode](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/permission-modes.md#eliminate-prompts-with-auto-mode)

5656

5757## B

5858

from line 60

6060

6161With `--bare`, Claude Code starts without loading hooks, skills, custom commands, subagents, installed plugins, MCP servers, auto memory, or CLAUDE.md, apart from skills in a directory you pass with `--add-dir`. Recommended for CI and scripted calls where you need the same result on every machine.

6262

63Learn more: [Start faster with bare mode](/docs/en/headless.md#start-faster-with-bare-mode)

63Learn more: [Start faster with bare mode](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/headless.md#start-faster-with-bare-mode)

6464

6565### Bundled skills

6666

6767Prompt-based playbooks included with Claude Code, such as `/batch`, `/code-review`, `/debug`, and `/loop`. Unlike built-in commands, which execute fixed logic, bundled skills give Claude a detailed prompt and let it orchestrate the work, so they can spawn agents, read files, and adapt to your codebase.

6868

69Learn more: [Bundled skills](/docs/en/skills.md#bundled-skills)

69Learn more: [Bundled skills](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/skills.md#bundled-skills)

7070

7171## C

7272

from line 74

7474

7575An [MCP server](#mcp-model-context-protocol) that pushes events into your running session so Claude can react to things that happen while you're away from the terminal. Channels can be two-way: Claude reads an inbound event and replies back through the same channel. Telegram, Discord, and iMessage are included in the research preview.

7676

77Learn more: [Channels](/docs/en/channels.md)

77Learn more: [Channels](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/channels.md)

7878

7979### Checkpoint

8080

from line 82

8282

8383Checkpoints are saved with the conversation, so a resumed session can still `/rewind` to them. Rewinding doesn't undo a Bash command's changes to a file unless Claude had already used its file editing tools on that file in your conversation.

8484

85Learn more: [Checkpointing](/docs/en/checkpointing.md)

85Learn more: [Checkpointing](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/checkpointing.md)

8686

8787### `.claude` directory

8888

8989The directory where Claude Code reads project-scoped configuration: settings, hooks, skills, subagents, rules, and auto memory. A project has `.claude/` at its root; your user-level defaults are at `~/.claude/`.

9090

91Learn more: [The `.claude` directory](/docs/en/claude-directory)

91Learn more: [The `.claude` directory](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/claude-directory)

9292

9393### CLAUDE.md

9494

from line 96

9696

9797You can place CLAUDE.md at project scope in `./CLAUDE.md` or `./.claude/CLAUDE.md`, at user scope in `~/.claude/CLAUDE.md`, or as [managed policy](#managed-settings) for your organization. All discovered files are concatenated into context rather than overriding each other, ordered from broadest scope to most specific. Claude Code can also load a project's [AGENTS.md](#agents-md) files in place of CLAUDE.md.

9898

99Learn more: [CLAUDE.md files](/docs/en/memory.md#claude-md-files)

99Learn more: [CLAUDE.md files](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/memory.md#claude-md-files)

100100

101101### Cloud session

102102

103A Claude Code session that keeps running after you close your laptop, because it runs on cloud infrastructure instead of your machine. That infrastructure is Anthropic-managed by default, or a [self-hosted environment](/docs/en/self-hosted-environments) your organization operates. You start one from claude.ai/code, the Claude mobile app, the Desktop app with **Cloud** selected, `claude --cloud`, or a [cloud scheduled task](/docs/en/routines.md).

103A Claude Code session that keeps running after you close your laptop, because it runs on cloud infrastructure instead of your machine. That infrastructure is Anthropic-managed by default, or a [self-hosted environment](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/self-hosted-environments) your organization operates. You start one from claude.ai/code, the Claude mobile app, the Desktop app with **Cloud** selected, `claude --cloud`, or a [cloud scheduled task](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/routines.md).

104104

105105A session in your terminal, IDE, or the Desktop app with **Local** selected is a local session; to reach a local session from another device, use [Remote Control](#remote-control).

106106

107Learn more: [Use Claude Code in the cloud](/docs/en/claude-code-on-the-web.md)

107Learn more: [Use Claude Code in the cloud](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/claude-code-on-the-web.md)

108108

109109### Command

110110

111111A reusable instruction you invoke by typing `/name` in the prompt. Built-in commands such as `/clear`, `/model`, and `/compact` control the session. You can define your own commands as files in `.claude/commands/`, or install them from a [plugin](#plugin). [Skills](#skill) are the recommended way to package multi-step commands.

112112

113Two other uses of the word are unrelated: `claude` CLI subcommands such as `claude mcp add`, listed in the [CLI reference](/docs/en/cli-reference.md#cli-commands), and the `command` field of a stdio [MCP server](#mcp-server) entry, which specifies the executable Claude Code launches to start the server.

113Two other uses of the word are unrelated: `claude` CLI subcommands such as `claude mcp add`, listed in the [CLI reference](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/cli-reference.md#cli-commands), and the `command` field of a stdio [MCP server](#mcp-server) entry, which specifies the executable Claude Code launches to start the server.

114114

115Learn more: [Commands](/docs/en/commands.md) · [Skills](/docs/en/skills.md)

115Learn more: [Commands](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/commands.md) · [Skills](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/skills.md)

116116

117117### Compaction

118118

119119Automatic summarization of your conversation when the [context window](#context-window) approaches its limit. Older tool outputs are cleared first, then the conversation is summarized. Project-root CLAUDE.md and auto memory survive compaction and reload from disk; instructions given only in conversation may be lost. Run `/compact` to trigger manually, optionally with a focus like `/compact focus on the API changes`.

120120

121Learn more: [What survives compaction](/docs/en/context-window.md#what-survives-compaction) · [When context fills up](/docs/en/how-claude-code-works.md#when-context-fills-up)

121Learn more: [What survives compaction](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/context-window.md#what-survives-compaction) · [When context fills up](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/how-claude-code-works.md#when-context-fills-up)

122122

123123### Connector

124124

125125An [MCP server](#mcp-server) added to your claude.ai account rather than configured in Claude Code. When you sign in to Claude Code with that account, your connectors appear in `/mcp` alongside the servers you added locally. Organizations can also provision connectors and set per-tool controls on them.

126126

127Learn more: [Use MCP servers from claude.ai](/docs/en/mcp.md#use-mcp-servers-from-claude-ai)

127Learn more: [Use MCP servers from claude.ai](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/mcp.md#use-mcp-servers-from-claude-ai)

128128

129129### Context window

130130

131131The working memory for a session, holding conversation history, file contents, command outputs, CLAUDE.md, auto memory, loaded skills, and system instructions. As you work, context fills up until [compaction](#compaction) summarizes it. Run `/context` to see what's using space. For the underlying model concept, see the [platform glossary](https://platform.claude.com/docs/en/about-claude/glossary#context-window).

132132

133Learn more: [Explore the context window](/docs/en/context-window.md)

133Learn more: [Explore the context window](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/context-window.md)

134134

135135## D

136136

from line 138

138138

139139A phone-initiated task router that spawns a Claude Code session in the Desktop app when you send a coding task from the Claude mobile app. Your prompt routes to the right tool automatically. Available on Pro and Max plans.

140140

141Learn more: [Sessions from Dispatch](/docs/en/desktop.md#sessions-from-dispatch)

141Learn more: [Sessions from Dispatch](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/desktop.md#sessions-from-dispatch)

142142

143143## E

144144

from line 146

146146

147147A setting that controls adaptive reasoning, which lets the model decide whether and how much to think on each step. Higher effort means more thinking tokens and deeper reasoning; lower effort is faster and cheaper. Effort is supported on Fable models, on Opus 4.6 and later, on Sonnet 4.6 and later, and on Haiku 5.5.

148148

149Learn more: [Adjust effort level](/docs/en/model-config.md#adjust-effort-level)

149Learn more: [Adjust effort level](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/model-config.md#adjust-effort-level)

150150

151151### Extended thinking

152152

153153Visible step-by-step reasoning the model performs before responding. You can adjust it with the [effort level](#effort-level), or cap thinking tokens with `MAX_THINKING_TOKENS` on models with a fixed thinking budget. Thinking appears in gray italic text in the terminal.

154154

155Learn more: [Use extended thinking](/docs/en/model-config.md#extended-thinking)

155Learn more: [Use extended thinking](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/model-config.md#extended-thinking)

156156

157157## F

158158

from line 160

160160

161161A block of YAML settings at the very top of a Markdown file, between an opening `---` line and a closing `---` line. Skills, subagents, output styles, and rules each read their configuration from frontmatter, such as a skill's `description` or a subagent's `tools`, and treat everything after the closing `---` as the instructions. The opening `---` must be the file's first line. Each file type accepts its own set of fields.

162162

163Learn more: [Skill frontmatter](/docs/en/skills.md#frontmatter-reference), [Subagent frontmatter](/docs/en/sub-agents.md#supported-frontmatter-fields), [Output style frontmatter](/docs/en/output-styles.md#frontmatter), [Rule frontmatter](/docs/en/memory.md#rules-frontmatter-reference)

163Learn more: [Skill frontmatter](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/skills.md#frontmatter-reference), [Subagent frontmatter](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/sub-agents.md#supported-frontmatter-fields), [Output style frontmatter](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/output-styles.md#frontmatter), [Rule frontmatter](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/memory.md#rules-frontmatter-reference)

164164

165165## H

166166

from line 174

174174* **Matcher**: filters which events fire it

175175* **Hook handler**: what runs

176176

177Learn more: [Get started with hooks](/docs/en/hooks-guide.md) · [Hooks reference](/docs/en/hooks.md)

177Learn more: [Get started with hooks](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/hooks-guide.md) · [Hooks reference](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/hooks.md)

178178

179179## M

180180

181181### Managed settings

182182

183Settings enforced org-wide by IT or DevOps, delivered from Anthropic's servers through the admin console or deployed to devices at an OS-level path outside `~/.claude`. User and project settings cannot override managed settings. Server-managed delivery applies on [eligible configurations](/docs/en/server-managed-settings.md#platform-availability); see [Security considerations](/docs/en/server-managed-settings.md#security-considerations). Use this for security policies, compliance requirements, or standardized tooling across a fleet.

183Settings enforced org-wide by IT or DevOps, delivered from Anthropic's servers through the admin console or deployed to devices at an OS-level path outside `~/.claude`. User and project settings cannot override managed settings. Server-managed delivery applies on [eligible configurations](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/server-managed-settings.md#platform-availability); see [Security considerations](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/server-managed-settings.md#security-considerations). Use this for security policies, compliance requirements, or standardized tooling across a fleet.

184184

185Learn more: [Server-managed settings](/docs/en/server-managed-settings.md) · [Settings files](/docs/en/settings.md#where-settings-live)

185Learn more: [Server-managed settings](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/server-managed-settings.md) · [Settings files](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/settings.md#where-settings-live)

186186

187187### MCP (Model Context Protocol)

188188

189189An open standard for connecting AI tools to external data sources and services. MCP servers give Claude new tools for Slack, Jira, databases, browsers, and hundreds of other integrations. You connect servers via `/mcp` or by adding them to `.mcp.json`. For the protocol itself, see the [platform glossary](https://platform.claude.com/docs/en/about-claude/glossary#mcp-model-context-protocol).

190190

191Learn more: [Model Context Protocol](/docs/en/mcp.md)

191Learn more: [Model Context Protocol](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/mcp.md)

192192

193193### MCP server

194194

195195A program that gives Claude tools, prompts, or resources over [MCP](#mcp-model-context-protocol). You add servers with `claude mcp add`, in `.mcp.json`, through a [plugin](#plugin), or as a claude.ai [connector](#connector). A local stdio server runs as a process Claude Code starts from the `command` and `args` fields of its configuration, which have nothing to do with the [commands](#command) you type at the prompt.

196196

197Learn more: [Model Context Protocol](/docs/en/mcp.md)

197Learn more: [Model Context Protocol](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/mcp.md)

198198

199199### MCP Tool Search

200200

201201A context-saving mechanism that defers MCP tool schemas until needed. Only tool names and server instructions load at startup; Claude fetches the full schema on demand when it decides to use a specific tool. This keeps idle MCP servers from consuming much context.

202202

203Learn more: [Scale with MCP Tool Search](/docs/en/mcp.md#scale-with-mcp-tool-search)

203Learn more: [Scale with MCP Tool Search](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/mcp.md#scale-with-mcp-tool-search)

204204

205205## N

206206

207207### Non-interactive mode

208208

209A mode that executes a single prompt and exits without an interactive prompt, invoked with `-p` or `--print`. Used for CI, scripts, and piping. The run is still saved as a resumable session unless you pass `--no-session-persistence`. The [Agent SDK](/docs/en/agent-sdk/overview.md) is the Python and TypeScript equivalent. Formerly called headless mode.

209A mode that executes a single prompt and exits without an interactive prompt, invoked with `-p` or `--print`. Used for CI, scripts, and piping. The run is still saved as a resumable session unless you pass `--no-session-persistence`. The [Agent SDK](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/agent-sdk/overview.md) is the Python and TypeScript equivalent. Formerly called headless mode.

210210

211Learn more: [Run Claude Code programmatically](/docs/en/headless.md)

211Learn more: [Run Claude Code programmatically](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/headless.md)

212212

213213## O

214214

from line 216

216216

217217A configuration that changes the instructions Claude Code gives Claude, to set response behavior, tone, or format. Unlike [CLAUDE.md](#claude-md), which adds project context alongside Claude Code's default instructions, a custom output style adds its own instructions and can leave out the default software engineering instructions.

218218

219Learn more: [Output styles](/docs/en/output-styles.md)

219Learn more: [Output styles](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/output-styles.md)

220220

221221## P

222222

from line 226

226226

227227The `default` mode is labeled Manual in the CLI, in the VS Code and JetBrains extensions, and in the desktop app, and Claude Code accepts `manual` as an alias for the value.

228228

229Learn more: [Choose a permission mode](/docs/en/permission-modes.md)

229Learn more: [Choose a permission mode](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/permission-modes.md)

230230

231231### Permission rule

232232

233233A settings entry that allows, asks about, or denies a tool invocation based on the tool name and argument pattern. Rules are evaluated deny→ask→allow, first match wins. Permission rules are fine-grained controls layered on top of the broader [permission mode](#permission-mode).

234234

235Learn more: [Configure permissions](/docs/en/permissions.md)

235Learn more: [Configure permissions](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/permissions.md)

236236

237237### Plan mode

238238

239239A [permission mode](#permission-mode) where Claude researches and proposes changes without editing your source files. It can read, search, and run exploration commands, then presents a plan for approval before touching anything. Enter plan mode with `/plan` or by pressing `Shift+Tab`.

240240

241Learn more: [Analyze before you edit with plan mode](/docs/en/permission-modes.md#analyze-before-you-edit-with-plan-mode)

241Learn more: [Analyze before you edit with plan mode](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/permission-modes.md#analyze-before-you-edit-with-plan-mode)

242242

243243### Plugin

244244

245A bundle of skills, hooks, subagents, and MCP servers packaged as a single installable unit. Plugin skills are namespaced as `plugin-name:skill-name` so multiple plugins coexist. Distribute plugins across teams via a [marketplace](/docs/en/plugins/overview.md).

246246

247Learn more: [Plugins](/docs/en/plugins/overview.md)

247Learn more: [Plugins](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/plugins/overview.md)

248248

249249### Project trust

250250

251A dialog accepting a directory before Claude Code loads its configuration. Acceptance is saved per project directory, except your home directory, where trust is held for the current session only and the prompt reappears on each launch. Until you trust a directory, Claude Code holds back some of the content its repository supplies, such as project allow rules and marketplaces from `.claude/settings.json`. [What runs before you trust a folder](/docs/en/permissions.md#what-runs-before-you-trust-a-folder) lists each kind of content, including what a `-p` session runs without a dialog.

251A dialog accepting a directory before Claude Code loads its configuration. Acceptance is saved per project directory, except your home directory, where trust is held for the current session only and the prompt reappears on each launch. Until you trust a directory, Claude Code holds back some of the content its repository supplies, such as project allow rules and marketplaces from `.claude/settings.json`. [What runs before you trust a folder](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/permissions.md#what-runs-before-you-trust-a-folder) lists each kind of content, including what a `-p` session runs without a dialog.

252252

253Learn more: [The `.claude` directory](/docs/en/claude-directory)

253Learn more: [The `.claude` directory](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/claude-directory)

254254

255255### Prompt injection

256256

257257Hostile instructions embedded in a file, web page, or tool result that attempt to redirect Claude toward actions you never asked for. Claude Code's defenses include the permission system, command injection detection, and trust verification. [Auto mode](#auto-mode) adds a server-side probe that scans tool results for suspicious content and a classifier that reviews actions with tool results stripped, so injected text can't manipulate it directly.

258258

259Learn more: [Protect against prompt injection](/docs/en/security.md#protect-against-prompt-injection)

259Learn more: [Protect against prompt injection](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/security.md#protect-against-prompt-injection)

260260

261261## R

262262

263263### Remote Control

264264

265A way to continue a local Claude Code session from your phone or browser via claude.ai. Your code execution and files stay on your machine; the interface is remote. Different from a [cloud session](/docs/en/claude-code-on-the-web.md), which runs in a cloud sandbox.

265A way to continue a local Claude Code session from your phone or browser via claude.ai. Your code execution and files stay on your machine; the interface is remote. Different from a [cloud session](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/claude-code-on-the-web.md), which runs in a cloud sandbox.

266266

267Learn more: [Remote Control](/docs/en/remote-control.md)

267Learn more: [Remote Control](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/remote-control.md)

268268

269269### Rules

270270

271271Modular instruction files in `.claude/rules/` that load alongside CLAUDE.md. A rule can be path-scoped with YAML `paths:` frontmatter so it only loads when Claude reads, writes, or edits a matching file, keeping context lean until it's relevant.

272272

273Learn more: [Organize rules with `.claude/rules/`](/docs/en/memory#organize-rules-with-claude/rules/)

273Learn more: [Organize rules with `.claude/rules/`](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/memory#organize-rules-with-claude/rules/)

274274

275275## S

276276

from line 278

278278

279279OS-level filesystem and network isolation for the Bash tool. Commands run inside a boundary you define upfront, so Claude can work freely within it without per-command approval prompts. Sandboxing is a separate layer from [permission rules](#permission-rule).

280280

281Learn more: [Sandboxing](/docs/en/sandboxing.md)

281Learn more: [Sandboxing](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/sandboxing.md)

282282

283283### Session

284284

285285A conversation tied to your current directory, with its own independent [context window](#context-window). Sessions can be resumed with `claude -c`, forked with `--fork-session` to preserve history under a new session ID, or run in parallel across terminals. Running `/clear` starts a new session; the previous one stays stored and is available via `/resume`. Each session's transcript is stored under `~/.claude/projects/`.

286286

287Learn more: [Work with sessions](/docs/en/how-claude-code-works.md#work-with-sessions)

287Learn more: [Work with sessions](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/how-claude-code-works.md#work-with-sessions)

288288

289289### Settings layers

290290

291The hierarchy Claude Code reads configuration from, in precedence order from highest to lowest: [managed policy](#managed-settings), settings you pass with the `--settings` flag, local settings at `.claude/settings.local.json`, project settings at `.claude/settings.json`, then user settings at `~/.claude/settings.json`. Arrays merge across layers; scalars at a higher layer override lower ones. See [Settings precedence](/docs/en/settings.md#settings-precedence).

292292

293Learn more: [Settings files](/docs/en/settings.md#where-settings-live)

293Learn more: [Settings files](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/settings.md#where-settings-live)

294294

295295### Skill

296296

from line 298

298298

299299Skills are the recommended successor to custom commands. A file at `.claude/commands/deploy.md` and one at `.claude/skills/deploy/SKILL.md` both create `/deploy` and work the same way; existing command files continue to work.

300300

301Learn more: [Extend Claude with skills](/docs/en/skills.md)

301Learn more: [Extend Claude with skills](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/skills.md)

302302

303303### Subagent

304304

305A specialized AI assistant that runs in its own context window with a custom system prompt, specific tool access, and independent permissions. It works on a delegated task and returns a summary to the main conversation. Use subagents to keep large explorations out of your primary context or to run parallel research. A subagent stays inside the session that spawned it. To pass findings between separate sessions you run yourself, use [cross-session messaging](/docs/en/cross-session-messaging.md).

306306

307307Built-in subagents include Explore, Plan, and general-purpose.

308308

309Learn more: [Create custom subagents](/docs/en/sub-agents.md)

309Learn more: [Create custom subagents](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/sub-agents.md)

310310

311311### Surface

312312

313Any place you access Claude Code: the CLI, VS Code, JetBrains, Desktop, or claude.ai. All surfaces share the same engine. Sessions on your machine read your local CLAUDE.md, settings, and skills; [cloud sessions](/docs/en/cloud-environments.md#what-carries-over-from-your-setup) start from a fresh clone of your repository and don't read `~/.claude/` on your machine. Slack and the Chrome extension are integrations that connect to a surface rather than surfaces themselves.

313Any place you access Claude Code: the CLI, VS Code, JetBrains, Desktop, or claude.ai. All surfaces share the same engine. Sessions on your machine read your local CLAUDE.md, settings, and skills; [cloud sessions](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/cloud-environments.md#what-carries-over-from-your-setup) start from a fresh clone of your repository and don't read `~/.claude/` on your machine. Slack and the Chrome extension are integrations that connect to a surface rather than surfaces themselves.

314314

315Learn more: [Platforms and integrations](/docs/en/platforms.md)

315Learn more: [Platforms and integrations](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/platforms.md)

316316

317317### System prompt

318318

319The instructions Claude Code sends ahead of your conversation on every request, covering how Claude uses tools, behaves safely, and formats its responses. You can add to the system prompt with `--append-system-prompt` or replace it with `--system-prompt`. The system prompt is the first layer of the [prompt cache](/docs/en/prompt-caching.md#how-the-cache-is-organized).

319The instructions Claude Code sends ahead of your conversation on every request, covering how Claude uses tools, behaves safely, and formats its responses. You can add to the system prompt with `--append-system-prompt` or replace it with `--system-prompt`. The system prompt is the first layer of the [prompt cache](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/prompt-caching.md#how-the-cache-is-organized).

320320

321321Your [CLAUDE.md](#claude-md) files and the instructions of your [output style](#output-style) aren't part of the system prompt. Claude Code delivers them in the conversation as [system reminders](#system-reminder).

322322

323Learn more: [System prompt flags](/docs/en/cli-reference.md#system-prompt-flags)

323Learn more: [System prompt flags](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/cli-reference.md#system-prompt-flags)

324324

325325### System reminder

326326

from line 335

335335

336336In a logged API request, a system reminder appears wrapped in `<system-reminder>` tags inside a user message, or on some models as a separate message with the `system` role.

337337

338Learn more: [Context Claude Code adds outside the system prompt](/docs/en/agent-sdk/modifying-system-prompts.md#context-claude-code-adds-outside-the-system-prompt)

338Learn more: [Context Claude Code adds outside the system prompt](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/agent-sdk/modifying-system-prompts.md#context-claude-code-adds-outside-the-system-prompt)

339339

340340## T

341341

from line 343

343343

344344A command, `/teleport`, that pulls a cloud Claude Code session into your local terminal. Claude fetches the branch, loads the conversation history, and resumes from the cloud session's last state. The reverse direction is `--cloud`, which sends a local task to run in the cloud.

345345

346Learn more: [Continue a cloud session in your terminal](/docs/en/claude-code-on-the-web.md#from-cloud-to-terminal)

346Learn more: [Continue a cloud session in your terminal](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/claude-code-on-the-web.md#from-cloud-to-terminal)

347347

348348### Tool

349349

350350An action Claude can take: read a file, edit code, run a shell command, search the web, spawn a subagent. Tools are what make Claude Code agentic. Without them, Claude can only respond with text. Each tool use returns a result that informs Claude's next decision in the [agentic loop](#agentic-loop).

351351

352Learn more: [Tools available to Claude](/docs/en/tools-reference.md)

352Learn more: [Tools available to Claude](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/tools-reference.md)

353353

354354### Transcript

355355

356The stored record of a [session](#session). The conversation is what you and Claude exchange; the transcript is that conversation kept as a file, by default at `~/.claude/projects/<project>/<session-id>.jsonl`. Claude Code reads the file back when you resume, which is how a conversation continues after the session ends. For the on-screen view of the same conversation, see the [transcript viewer](/docs/en/interactive-mode.md#transcript-viewer).

357357

358Learn more: [Where transcripts are stored](/docs/en/sessions.md#where-transcripts-are-stored)

358Learn more: [Where transcripts are stored](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/sessions.md#where-transcripts-are-stored)

359359

360360### Turn

361361

362362One complete response from Claude within a [session](#session). A turn begins when you send a message and ends when Claude finishes responding, with any number of [tool](#tool) calls in between. [Stop hooks](#hook) fire at the end of each turn. A session consists of many turns, and the [agentic loop](#agentic-loop) describes what happens inside one.

363363

364Learn more: [How Claude Code works](/docs/en/how-claude-code-works.md#the-agentic-loop)

364Learn more: [How Claude Code works](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/how-claude-code-works.md#the-agentic-loop)

365365

366366## V

367367

368368### Verification loop

369369

370How a session knows the work is actually done instead of accepting a result that looks plausible. You give Claude a check it can run, such as a test suite, a build, or a screenshot comparison, and Claude iterates until the check passes instead of stopping after one attempt. A verification loop is the prerequisite for [`/goal`](/docs/en/goal), unattended runs, and [dynamic workflows](/docs/en/workflows.md): without one, the only thing deciding the agent is finished is the agent itself.

370How a session knows the work is actually done instead of accepting a result that looks plausible. You give Claude a check it can run, such as a test suite, a build, or a screenshot comparison, and Claude iterates until the check passes instead of stopping after one attempt. A verification loop is the prerequisite for [`/goal`](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/goal), unattended runs, and [dynamic workflows](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/workflows.md): without one, the only thing deciding the agent is finished is the agent itself.

371371

372Learn more: [Give Claude a way to verify its work](/docs/en/best-practices.md#give-claude-a-way-to-verify-its-work)

372Learn more: [Give Claude a way to verify its work](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/best-practices.md#give-claude-a-way-to-verify-its-work)

373373

374374## W

375375

from line 377

377377

378378An isolation mode that runs Claude in a separate git worktree under `.claude/worktrees/`, enabled with the `-w` flag or `isolation: worktree` in subagent config. Changes stay on a separate branch in a separate directory, so parallel agents each edit their own copy of the files.

379379

380Learn more: [Run parallel sessions with git worktrees](/docs/en/worktrees.md)

380Learn more: [Run parallel sessions with git worktrees](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/worktrees.md)

381381

382382***

383383

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