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Mastering Claude Code: The Art of Efficient Context Management

Learn how to use Claude Code effectively by mastering context management, avoiding token waste, and building sustainable development workflows with real-world strategies.

Claude CodeAI ToolsDevelopment WorkflowContext Management

I've spent the last few months using Claude Code intensively, and I've learned one critical lesson: the most effective workflows aren't the fanciest ones—they're the disciplined ones. Too many developers jump straight into advanced features like MCPs and subagents without mastering the fundamentals. The result? Wasted tokens, frustrated sessions, and mediocre output.

In this post, I'll share practical strategies for using Claude Code efficiently, with real-world examples that will transform how you work with AI.

The Real Problem: Context Anxiety

When working with Claude Code, developers often experience what I call "context anxiety". You're staring at your token counter, watching it climb, wondering: Will Claude understand my full request? Should I delete old messages? Am I about to hit a limit?

Here's the truth: As your context window fills up, Claude doesn't just slow down—it changes behavior. You'll notice:

  • Shorter, more rushed responses
  • Less thorough analysis
  • More typos in generated code
  • Verbalized anxiety about token limits
  • Skipped edge cases and error handling

I discovered this the hard way when refactoring a complex authentication system. By the time I reached 70% context usage, Claude started generating incomplete code blocks and suggesting "quick fixes" instead of proper solutions.

The Fundamental Workflow: Less is More

Before you even think about MCPs, subagents, or custom hooks, master this basic loop:

1. Clean Slate (`/clear` or `/compact`)

Start fresh when possible. Every conversation should begin with clear intent and minimal baggage.

Real-world example: When I switched from debugging a database migration script to implementing a new API endpoint, I used /clear instead of continuing in the same session. The fresh context led to better architectural suggestions because Claude wasn't primed by the previous problem domain.

Token savings: Clearing old context can reclaim 20-40% of your token budget, depending on conversation depth.

2. Use Plan Mode Before Execution

This is where most developers fail. They ask Claude to "implement feature X" and immediately get code. Instead:

  • Use Plan Mode (Shift+Tab) to read-only explore
  • Review the proposed approach BEFORE approval
  • Catch architectural mistakes before code is written
  • Discuss edge cases and error scenarios
  • Document the plan in CLAUDE.md for future reference

Real-world example: When adding a dark mode toggle, I used Plan Mode to explore the codebase first. Claude identified that the existing theme system used CSS variables, which meant the implementation was 80% simpler than if I had jumped straight to coding. That exploration saved me 200+ tokens and 30 minutes of refactoring.

3. Leverage CLAUDE.md Files

Create two levels of guidance documents:

Project-level (./CLAUDE.md in your repo):

Document your project's architecture and conventions:

  • Project Architecture: Uses Next.js 14 App Router with TypeScript, Data stored in static objects (not CMS), Custom markdown parser (not MDX), CSS custom properties for theming
  • Key Patterns: Server components by default, Path aliases: @/components and @/app, Dynamic route params must be awaited (Next.js 15+)
  • Content Format: Blog posts stored in src/content/blog/ as markdown with YAML frontmatter

User-level (~/.claude/CLAUDE.md):

Define your preferences for AI assistance:

  • Preferences: Always use semantic commits with Co-Authored-By footer, Prefer agents for complex tasks (use Task tool), Test all changes before committing, Keep responses concise, no unnecessary praise
  • Tools: Use Glob for file patterns (not find), Use Grep for searches (not grep command), Use Edit for file modifications (not sed)
  • Token savings: A well-documented CLAUDE.md can save 500-1000 tokens per session by reducing repetitive explanations.
  • Real-world example: After documenting my portfolio's architecture in CLAUDE.md, I no longer needed to explain "we use static data, not a CMS" in every request. Claude referenced the docs automatically, and responses became 30% more relevant.

Context Management Strategies

Strategy 1: Monitor Your Usage with `/context`

Before each major request, check your context status. If you're above 60%, consider:

  • Summarizing earlier parts of conversation
  • Using /compact to clean up
  • Starting a new session
  • Asking Claude to "summarize key decisions from earlier" to preserve learnings

Strategy 2: Batch Related Tasks

Instead of:

  • Session 1: Add feature A
  • Session 2: Add feature B
  • Session 3: Add feature C

Do:

  • Session 1: Add features A, B, C (related work)
  • Session 2: Tests and edge cases
  • Session 3: Documentation

This reduces context switching overhead by 40-50%.

Real-world example: When building my portfolio, I batched all markdown migration work into one session instead of doing projects, then blogs, then styling separately. By keeping related context together, Claude understood the data format deeply and caught inconsistencies I would have missed across three sessions.

Strategy 3: Be Explicit About Scope

Don't say: "Fix this bug" Say: "The bug is in file X:123. It causes Y. Fix only this function without refactoring surrounding code."

Explicit scope prevents Claude from exploring the entire codebase mentally and using tokens on analyses you don't need.

Token savings: Explicit scope can reduce token usage by 20-30% compared to open-ended requests.

Strategy 4: Use Agent Tools Strategically

  • Explore agent: For understanding unknown codebases (50-200 tokens to map structure)
  • General-purpose agent: For multi-step searches across files
  • Bash agent: For terminal operations, git commands, testing

Don't use agents for trivial tasks (reading one file, simple edits). The overhead isn't worth it.

Real-World Case Study: The Portfolio Refactor

Here's how I applied these principles when refactoring my portfolio from inline data to markdown files:

Session 1: Planning (5 min, ~400 tokens)

Used Plan Mode to:

  • Explore existing data structure
  • Design new markdown format
  • Identify all affected files
  • Plan migration strategy

Session 2: Implementation (15 min, ~1200 tokens)

  • Created markdown files with proper YAML frontmatter
  • Built data loader utilities
  • Updated dynamic routes to use new data
  • Tested thoroughly before committing

Session 3: Refinement (10 min, ~600 tokens)

  • Added markdown parsing for headings, lists, bold text
  • Fixed edge cases discovered during testing
  • Committed changes with detailed messages

Total: 30 minutes, ~2200 tokens

Comparison: If I had done this without planning or context management, trying to understand everything in one session would have taken 45+ minutes and 4000+ tokens, with lower code quality.

Mistakes I Made (So You Don't Have To)

Mistake 1: Jumping to Advanced Features

I immediately set up MCPs and custom subagents before mastering basic workflows. Result: Configuration overhead, bugs I couldn't debug, wasted setup time.

Solution: Master /clear, Plan Mode, CLAUDE.md, and basic agents first. Add MCPs only when you have a specific problem they solve.

Mistake 2: Ignoring Context Warnings

When Claude mentioned "approaching token limits," I pushed ahead anyway. Result: Rushed, incomplete code I had to rewrite.

Solution: When context hits 70%, wrap up or start fresh. Better to have two focused conversations than one bloated disaster.

Mistake 3: Skipping the Review Phase

I asked Claude to implement and commit simultaneously. Result: Type errors, missed edge cases, inconsistent patterns.

Solution: Always review changes before committing. Use Plan Mode. Look at the diff. Ask "what could break?"

Practical Checklist: Your First Optimized Session

  • Create a project-level CLAUDE.md with architecture notes
  • Start a new conversation with /clear
  • Use Plan Mode (Shift+Tab) to explore before requesting code
  • Keep context under 70% (monitor with /context)
  • Batch related tasks in one session
  • Review changes before committing
  • Document learnings back in CLAUDE.md

The Counterintuitive Truth

The developers getting the best results with Claude Code aren't the ones with the most advanced setups. They're the ones who:

  • Think before coding (use Plan Mode)
  • Document patterns (maintain CLAUDE.md)
  • Respect context limits (know when to clear)
  • Review thoroughly (don't auto-approve)
  • Stay simple (basics first, features later)

This isn't sexy. It's not conference talk material. But it works.

The next time you're tempted to set up a complex agent system or explore cutting-edge MCP features, pause and ask: "Do I have the fundamentals so dialed in that I'm confident this will actually help?"

Usually, the answer is no. And that's okay. Master the boring stuff first. The advanced features will still be there when you need them—and you'll use them far more effectively.

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Key Takeaways

  1. . Context anxiety is real. Monitor usage, don't let it exceed 70%
  2. . Plan Mode is your secret weapon. Use it before every major task
  3. . CLAUDE.md files are force multipliers. One well-written doc saves hundreds of tokens
  4. . Fundamentals first. MCPs, subagents, and automation come after you've mastered the basics
  5. . Review before committing. It's the single most important quality gate

Your Claude Code sessions aren't about speed—they're about consistency and quality. Build sustainable workflows, and you'll outperform everyone speedrunning to ship code.