FradSer: Trust the /init Command

Overview

Based on extensive experience with Claude Code, community expert FradSer shares practical strategies that go beyond official documentation to maximize your development efficiency and code quality.

Core Principles

1. Trust the /init Command

Always believe in /init - Regularly use the /init command to keep your CLAUDE.md updated to its optimal state. For important features, create CLAUDE.md files in subfolders to maintain context and best practices at every level.

Why it works:

• Keeps your project context fresh and relevant
• Ensures Claude Code has the latest information about your codebase
• Maintains consistency across different project areas

2. Embrace Full Permissions

Be bold with permissions - When you don't have production environment concerns, use claude --dangerously-skip-permissions to grant full permissions. This eliminates unnecessary restrictions and allows Claude Code to work at maximum efficiency.

When to use:

• Development environments
• Local testing scenarios
• When you need maximum flexibility
• Prototyping and experimentation

3. Commit Frequently

Git commit...commit...commit - Never think you're committing too much. Frequent commits create a clear history, make debugging easier, and provide safe rollback points.

Benefits:

• Clear development timeline
• Easy bug tracking and bisection
• Safe experimentation with rollback capability
• Better collaboration with team members

4. Leverage Git Worktree with Git Flow

Use git worktree with git flow - This combination significantly reduces the mental overhead of complex Git operations. Git worktree allows you to work on multiple branches simultaneously, while git flow provides a structured branching strategy.

Setup example:

# Create a new feature branch with worktree
git worktree add -b feature/new-feature ../new-feature-branch main

# Work on the feature
cd ../new-feature-branch
# Make changes, commit frequently

# When ready, merge back
git checkout main
git merge feature/new-feature
git worktree remove ../new-feature-branch

5. Use ESC Liberally

Press ESC often - If something doesn't feel right, don't hesitate to adjust course. The ESC key is your friend for:

• Canceling operations that aren't going well
• Resetting context when needed
• Starting fresh when you're stuck
• Maintaining control over your workflow

6. Essential Sub-Agents

Always include these sub-agents in your setup:

Tech Lead

• Purpose: Design long-term architectural goals
• Benefit: Prevents architectural chaos
• Focus: System design, scalability, maintainability

UX Reviewer

• Purpose: Check for user experience design issues
• Benefit: Improves accessibility and user satisfaction
• Example: Swift projects with significant a11y optimizations

Code Simplifier

• Purpose: Prevent code over-engineering
• Priority: First priority - use this agent before others
• Benefit: Keeps codebase clean and maintainable

Implementation Strategy

Setting Up Your Environment

1. Initialize with /init

   # In your project root
   claude /init

2. Create subfolder documentation

   # For important features
   mkdir feature-name
   cd feature-name
   echo "# Feature Documentation" > CLAUDE.md

3. Configure permissions

   # For development environments
   claude --dangerously-skip-permissions

Workflow Integration

1. Start each session with /init
2. Commit after every significant change
3. Use ESC to reset when needed
4. Always run Code Simplifier first
5. Review with UX Reviewer for user-facing changes
6. Consult Tech Lead for architectural decisions

Advanced Tips

Git Worktree Best Practices

# Create a worktree for a new feature
git worktree add -b feature/user-auth ../auth-feature main

# Work on the feature
cd ../auth-feature
# Make changes, commit frequently

# When ready to merge
git checkout main
git merge feature/user-auth
git worktree remove ../auth-feature

Sub-Agent Priority Order

1. Code Simplifier - Always run first
2. Tech Lead - For architectural decisions
3. UX Reviewer - For user-facing features
4. Other specialized agents - As needed

Context Management

• Use CLAUDE.md files strategically
• Update context regularly with /init
• Keep documentation close to code
• Maintain separate contexts for different features

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

❌ Don't Skip /init

• Problem: Outdated context leads to poor suggestions
• Solution: Regular /init usage

❌ Don't Fear Frequent Commits

• Problem: Large commits make debugging difficult
• Solution: Commit early, commit often

❌ Don't Ignore ESC

• Problem: Stuck in unproductive workflows
• Solution: Use ESC to reset and try again

❌ Don't Skip Code Simplifier

• Problem: Over-engineered, complex code
• Solution: Always run Code Simplifier first

Success Metrics

Track these indicators to measure your Claude Code effectiveness:

• Reduced debugging time - Frequent commits help
• Cleaner codebase - Code Simplifier results
• Better user experience - UX Reviewer improvements
• Consistent architecture - Tech Lead guidance
• Faster development cycles - Optimized workflow

Conclusion

These community-tested practices from FradSer provide a solid foundation for maximizing Claude Code's effectiveness. The key is to:

1. Trust the tools - Use /init and full permissions when appropriate
2. Stay organized - Commit frequently and use git worktree
3. Stay flexible - Use ESC to adjust course when needed
4. Prioritize quality - Always start with Code Simplifier

By following these practices, you'll create a more efficient, maintainable, and enjoyable development experience with Claude Code.

Source and Attribution

This article is based on the original work by FradSer and has been expanded with additional implementation details and best practices. The core insights were first shared on Twitter/X.

Original Author: FradSer
Source: https://x.com/FradSer/status/1952205197784297646