Quick Reference: The Clauses to Add Before You Hit Enter
Recall the three short clauses that most improve a Claude Code task: inspect first, keep it narrow, prove it.
Inspect-first clause Inspect the relevant files, tests, and recent diffs before editing anything. Use this when the repo is unfamiliar or the failure mode is still uncertain. Scope-limit clause Prefer the smallest fix and avoid unrelated refactors unless the evidence requires them. Use this when Claude Code tends to broaden the patch beyond the actual problem. Proof clause Run the focused verification command and report the result before claiming success. Use this whenever the task could otherwise end with a plausible but unproven patch. Why these clauses matter These are not filler words. They encode workflow into the prompt. Wish…
Sign up free — one personalized lesson every day, matched to your role and goals.
Already have an account? Sign in