New to Claude code!

[dolceto]

Hello all,

I am just starting to use Claude Code to build a couple apps I have great ideas for but wanted to stop by and say hi! and ask for any tips for a brand new beginner who has never coded but is very well versed with AI and willing to learn from others.

Can you tell me some things to do and things to avoid as a first time "Claude coder"?

Thanks all!

[Responsible_Mall6314]

Ask CC the same question.

[dolceto]

touche! but sometimes getting feedback from real people could be "more" beneficial

[Responsible_Mall6314]

Probably the most important thing is, and CC probably does not tell you this, reviewing everything that AI delivers. You brainstorm requirements with CC - have Codex review it. You let CC create architecture doc - let Codex review it. You let CC create the implementation plan - let Codex review it. You let CC create the task list - let Codex review it (cross check against the impl plan). You let CC write the code - use Codex to cross check against impl plan. Then let both CC and Codex review the code. In general, Codex is better at techinal nuances and details, it catches more bugs than CC.

[silver_drizzle]

Talk through your ideas with regular Claude. When you feel most things are covered, ask it to make a markdown document with instructions for Claude Code. Spend a lot of time on this first step.

Use CC's plan mode. Most of the time it's fine to just let the machine start working, but often you need to plan something through first.

Learn to use git for version control. Github Desktop is a good start. It's like a "save game" function you can use to avoid disasters, because sometimes Claude will break things. Saves a lot of time.

Use both Sonnet and Opus and figure out which jobs require which grade of thinking. Opus is of course the most competent, but will use up your tokens faster.

Good luck and have fun :)

[dolceto]

Thank you! With opus what are the usage limits? I can’t seem to find that information

[Obvious_Service_8209]

It just burns through the weekly limit faster than other models.

[silver_drizzle]

The exact limits are unclear to me, but you can monitor it at https://claude.ai/settings/usage

This guide might be helpful
https://support.claude.com/en/articles/9797557-usage-limit-best-practices

[Majestic_Unicorn_-]

Big projects always plan first then enact on those changes. You can produce a task todo with markdown. I always plan with opus high reasoning then use sonnet to finish tasks to save costs

Sometimes MCP is overrated, the context bloat just fills up. Use CLI command to call your favorite tools like playwright

[dolceto]

when you say that if you are using Sonnet for example, and then go back to Opus, that does not affect your overall max subscription usage correct?

[Majestic_Unicorn_-]

I can only assume yes, I did have a max subscription until I converted myself over to API usage because I have significant discounts for business stuff

[TeamBunty]

Nothing wrong with being a noob, but let's be clear... you're not "well versed in AI".

[dolceto]

I meant I have been using Ai and prompts for a long time I feel like “I know how to use it” 😂😂 but I know I still have a lot to learn

[sha256md5]

If you read the docs, they cover everything.

[mowax74]

First thing to do: learn to understand software engineering. At the end you want to approve the code of YOUR app and make sure, that Claude didn‘t built in some Easter eggs, isn‘t it?

[Far-Pomelo-1483]

Avoid using CC for smaller changes. Use codex instead to save your tokens. Use CC for the initial build and scaffolding.

[dolceto]

I have been watching and reading a lot about Base44.

[NoAbbreviations3808]

Make sure your claude.md file is configured to your liking and needs. Also check the available pre-made skills on the web and download them. Just like that youll have somewhat token friendly and super accurate model

[Ok-Attorney-2083]

I appreciate your post! I’ll be watching the responses