Take-away from the article

Setup & Environment

Create CLAUDE.md files to document common commands, code style guidelines, testing instructions, and repository etiquette
Customize your tool allowlist to permit safe actions you frequently use
Install the gh CLI if using GitHub for seamless integration

Core Workflows

1. Explore → Plan → Code → Commit

Tell Claude to read files first without coding, then make a plan before implementing
Use "think" commands ("think" < "think hard" < "think harder" < "ultrathink") to give Claude more computation time

2. Test-Driven Development

Write tests first, commit them, then have Claude write code to pass the tests

3. Visual Development

Give Claude screenshots or design mocks, then have it implement and iterate based on visual feedback

Best Practices

Be specific: Clear, detailed instructions work much better than vague requests
Use images: Paste screenshots, drag-and-drop images, or provide file paths for visual context
Reference files: Use tab-completion to help Claude find the right files to work with
Course correct: Press Escape to interrupt Claude and redirect its approach
Clear context: Use /clear frequently to keep conversations focused

Advanced Techniques

Use headless mode (-p flag) for automation and CI workflows
Run multiple Claude instances in parallel using git worktrees for independent tasks
Create custom slash commands in .claude/commands folder for repeated workflows

The key insight is that Claude Code works best when you give it clear context, specific instructions, and tools to verify its work through testing or visual feedback.

Philosophy different between Cursor IDE and Claude Code

Core Philosophy

Cursor IDE: "AI-First Editor"

Built "from the ground up with AI as a first-class citizen" rather than "retrofitting AI capabilities into existing editors"
Designed around natural language programming and intelligent code assistance from day one
Visual, IDE-integrated approach where you can see every step and decision

Claude Code: "Low-Level Power Tool"

Intentionally low-level and unopinionated, providing close to raw model access
Command-line focused with emphasis on flexibility and scriptability
"Hides most of its decision-making process. You give it a task, it disappears into its command-line cave, and emerges with (hopefully) working code"

Key Differences

User Experience:

Cursor: GUI-based, visual feedback, watch AI work in real-time within a familiar IDE
Claude Code: Terminal-based, autonomous execution, "maximum vibe, minimum micromanagement"

Control & Transparency:

Cursor: "Lets you watch every step, every file change, every decision"
Claude Code: Black box approach - you provide instructions and get results, but less visibility into the process

Integration:

Cursor: Built as a complete IDE replacement with AI deeply integrated into every aspect
Claude Code: Integrates with your existing terminal environment and tools

Trust Model:

Cursor: Collaborative - you're actively involved in the AI's decision-making
Claude Code: "It's asking for a lot of trust" - you delegate tasks and let it work autonomously

Target Workflows

Cursor excels for:

Developers who want visual feedback and control
Learning and understanding code changes as they happen
Traditional IDE workflows enhanced with AI

Claude Code excels for:

Automation and scripting
Complex multi-step tasks that benefit from autonomous execution
Developers comfortable with command-line tools and trusting AI agents

The fundamental difference is that Cursor reimagined the IDE experience with AI at its core, while Claude Code provides powerful AI capabilities through a flexible, terminal-based interface that integrates with existing developer workflows.

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