Claude Code: Commands & Skills Guide

3/19/2026 · 2 min read

Installation

npm config set os linux   # Windows Git Bash only
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
claude

Requires a Pro subscription. Clone a project, cd into it, then start with: “summarise this project”.

Slash Commands

CommandPurpose
/initCreate a CLAUDE.md config file
/clearClear context and history
/compactClear context, keep screen
/statusShow cwd, memory, model, account
/costUsage and spend summary
/ideManage IDE integrations (VS Code / Cursor)
/terminal-setupBind Shift+Enter for newlines
/reviewReview a pull request
/pr-commentsFetch pull request comments

Keyboard Shortcuts

KeyAction
Shift + TabToggle plan mode
Ctrl + CExit
Alt + EnterNew line in prompt
Esc EscRewind last action

Resuming Sessions

claude --continue   # resume last session
claude --resume     # pick a past session

Skills

Skills are instruction files Claude reads before performing a task — code review checklists, doc templates, design guides. They are reactive, not automatic: Claude consults them when you give it a task, not on a schedule.

Think of skills as a rulebook Claude only opens when you hand it a job.