📚 Core Concept: What is "Context"?
In Claude Code, context is the working information Claude can use. It includes your conversation history, manually loaded files, selections, and persistent instructions from files like CLAUDE.md.
🗂️ Persistent Context (Project "Memory")
The CLAUDE.md file acts as Claude's persistent memory for a project, automatically loaded at the start of every session.
- Purpose: Stores project-specific instructions, commands, and rules (e.g., coding styles, common tasks).
- Creation: Use /init in the CLI or create it manually in your project's root.
- Key Fact: The old # key shortcut to add to this file is deprecated. Now, you simply ask Claude to update the file for you.
🎮 Interactive Session & Context Management
These commands manage the active context during a session.
| Command/Feature | Primary Function | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| @ | Manually load any file or folder into context. | Use for files not automatically included. |
| /clear | Reset session history. | Use when starting a completely new task. |
| /compact | Summarize a long conversation to save space. | Use after finishing a major task phase. |
| Esc (once) | Stop Claude's current response. | The standard "stop" button. |
| Esc (twice) | Rewind to a previous point in the chat. | Be aware of a past bug (v2.0.5) that could cause freezes. |
| /exit | End the CLI session. | Returns you to your system terminal. |
🖥️ Key Interface Difference: CLI vs. VS Code Extension
How you add context differs significantly between interfaces.
| Context Type | Claude Code CLI | Claude Code VS Code Extension |
|---|---|---|
| Project Files | Manual only via @ mentions. | Automatic for the currently active editor file. |
| Selected Code | Not seen unless manually referenced. | Automatically seen when text is highlighted. |
| Workflow Feel | Command-driven, terminal-centric. | Integrated, like a pair programmer inside your editor. |
💡 Best Practices & Summary
Foundation: Create a concise CLAUDE.md for project-wide rules.
During Work:
In VS Code, leverage the automatic context for the file you're editing.
In the CLI, actively use @ to pull in files.
Session Hygiene: Use /compact to preserve long conversations and /clear to reset for a new topic.
Tool Choice: Use the VS Code extension for integrated coding and the CLI for advanced terminal operations or MCP server work.
In short, Claude Code's context is a blend of persistent project memory (CLAUDE.md) and dynamic session control (commands and auto-context), with the interface you choose shaping your workflow.
ESC ESC. I reviewed the Context. I selected the first "point"
Restore code and conversation
ESC ESC. I reviewed the Context
/compact
ESC ESC. I reviewed the Context
/clear
ESC ESC. I reviewed the Context