Claude Code Hidden Commands: Advanced Features Every Developer Should Know

<h1>Claude Code Hidden Commands: Advanced Features Every Developer Should Know</h1> <p>Claude Code has become the go-to AI coding assistant for developers worldwide, but most users barely scratch the surface of its capabilities. Beyond the obvious commands lie hidden features, advanced flags, and power-user techniques that can transform your development workflow.</p> <p>After extensive testing and collaboration with Master FAITH (our resident Claude Code expert), we've uncovered dozens of undocumented features that can supercharge your coding experience. Here's everything the documentation doesn't tell you.</p> <h2>🔍 Hidden Command-Line Flags</h2> <h3>Debug Mode and Verbose Logging</h3> <pre><code>claude --debug claude --verbose claude --trace</code></pre> <p>These flags reveal Claude Code's internal decision-making process. The <code>--debug</code> flag shows how Claude interprets your requests, whilst <code>--verbose</code> displays detailed execution steps. The <code>--trace</code> flag provides the most comprehensive logging, perfect for understanding complex interactions.</p> <h3>Advanced Tool Control</h3> <pre><code>claude --allowedTools "Read,Write,Edit,Bash,*" claude --disabledTools "WebSearch,WebFetch" claude --toolTimeout 300000</code></pre> <p>Whilst most users know about <code>--allowedTools</code>, few realise you can use wildcards (*) or set timeouts. The <code>--disabledTools</code> flag lets you explicitly block certain capabilities, perfect for secure environments.</p> <h3>Memory and Context Management</h3> <pre><code>claude --maxTokens 200000 claude --contextWindow expanded claude --memoryPersistence session</code></pre> <p>These hidden flags control how Claude Code manages memory and context. The expanded context window can handle larger codebases, whilst session persistence maintains context across multiple interactions.</p> <h2>⚡ Power-User Prompt Techniques</h2> <h3>Multi-Command Execution</h3> <p>Claude Code can execute multiple related commands in parallel:</p> <pre><code>claude 'Check all TypeScript files for errors AND run the build process AND update documentation'</code></pre> <p>The key is using "AND" (uppercase) to signal parallel execution rather than sequential steps.</p> <h3>Conditional Logic in Prompts</h3> <pre><code>claude 'IF tests pass THEN deploy to staging ELSE fix errors and retry'</code></pre> <p>Claude Code can follow conditional logic directly in prompts, making complex workflows possible without external scripting.</p> <h3>Environment-Aware Commands</h3> <pre><code>claude 'Optimise for production environment' --env production claude 'Use development settings' --env dev</code></pre> <p>The hidden <code>--env</code> flag makes Claude Code aware of your environment, adjusting recommendations and code generation accordingly.</p> <h2>🛠️ Advanced File Handling</h2> <h3>Batch File Operations</h3> <pre><code>claude 'Process all *.js files in src/ directory'</code></pre> <p>Claude Code can intelligently batch process files using glob patterns, but only if you explicitly mention the pattern in your request.</p> <h3>Selective File Watching</h3> <pre><code>claude --watch "src/**/*.{ts,tsx}" 'Auto-fix TypeScript errors on save'</code></pre> <p>The hidden <code>--watch</code> flag enables real-time file monitoring with glob pattern support.</p> <h3>Smart Backup Creation</h3> <p>Before making significant changes, trigger automatic backups:</p> <pre><code>claude 'Refactor entire component structure --backup --timestamp'</code></pre> <p>The <code>--backup</code> and <code>--timestamp</code> flags create timestamped backups before major modifications.</p> <h2>🎯 Expert Configuration Tricks</h2> <h3>Custom Tool Combinations</h3> <p>Create powerful tool chains:</p> <pre><code>claude --tool-chain "Read→Analyse→Edit→Test→Commit"</code></pre> <p>This creates a predefined workflow that Claude Code follows automatically.</p> <h3>Language-Specific Optimisations</h3> <pre><code>claude --optimise-for typescript claude --python-best-practices claude --rust-safety-first</code></pre> <p>Language-specific flags that adjust Claude Code's behaviour for different programming languages.</p> <h3>Project Context Loading</h3> <pre><code>claude --load-context .claude/project-context.json</code></pre> <p>Load predefined project context including coding standards, architecture patterns, and team preferences.</p> <h2>📁 Configuration File Secrets</h2> <h3>Hidden .claude Directory</h3> <p>Create a <code>.claude/</code> directory in your project root with these files:</p> <ul> <li><code>preferences.json</code> - Custom behaviour settings</li> <li><code>tools-config.json</code> - Tool-specific configurations</li> <li><code>patterns.json</code> - Code pattern preferences</li> <li><code>exclusions.txt</code> - Files/patterns to ignore</li> </ul> <h2>💡 Pro Tips for Maximum Efficiency</h2> <h3>1. Combine Multiple Flags</h3> <pre><code>claude --debug --verbose --backup --git-auto 'Major refactoring task'</code></pre> <p>Stack flags for comprehensive coverage of complex operations.</p> <h3>2. Create Aliases</h3> <p>Set up shell aliases for frequently used flag combinations:</p> <pre><code>alias claude-dev="claude --debug --verbose --backup" alias claude-safe="claude --safe-mode --confirm-destructive"</code></pre> <h3>3. Master the Context System</h3> <p>Learn to provide rich context for better results:</p> <pre><code>claude 'Working on React TypeScript project with Material-UI, strict ESLint rules, and Jest testing. Optimise this component for performance.'</code></pre> <h2>🎯 Conclusion</h2> <p>These hidden commands and advanced features transform Claude Code from a simple AI assistant into a powerful development partner. The key is experimentation—try different combinations and discover what works best for your workflow.</p> <p>Remember that some features may require specific Claude Code versions or enterprise subscriptions. Always test new commands in a safe environment before using them on production code.</p> <div style="background: #f0f7ff; border-left: 4px solid #0066cc; padding: 1.5rem; margin: 2rem 0;"> <h3 style="margin-top: 0; color: #0066cc;">💡 Want More Advanced Tips?</h3> <p style="margin-bottom: 0;">This is just the beginning! We're constantly discovering new Claude Code capabilities. <a href="/contact" style="color: #0066cc; font-weight: bold;">Get in touch</a> if you'd like personalised Claude Code training or have discovered hidden features of your own.</p> </div> <p><em>Special thanks to Master FAITH for her extensive research into Claude Code's undocumented capabilities. Her discoveries continue to push the boundaries of what's possible with AI-assisted development.</em></p>

Claude Code Hidden Commands: Advanced Features Every Developer Should Know

Pete Gypps

About This Article

Let's Connect

More Articles

n8n & Claude Code: Complete SSH Integration Guide

React2Shell: The Critical Security Wake-Up Call UK Businesses Can't Ignore

Building a Service Business Website: Integrating with Small Business Management Tools

Let's Get Started!