Summary  
This chapter covers automating file system actions and code manipulation through a natural-language AI-driven command-line and desktop interface, and managing the context window to maintain efficient AI interactions.

General domain of usage  
Software development

Claude Code can be used directly from the terminal or through the Claude Desktop application. Both options allow Claude to work with local files, run commands, and perform tasks on your device using natural-language instructions.

### Using Terminal Commands

Type `/` in Claude Code to view the available commands. Some useful commands include:

* `/model` to switch between available Claude models
* `/usage` to check subscription usage
* `/context` to review context-window usage
* `/clear` to remove the current conversation
* `/resume` to reopen a previous session
* `/exit` to close Claude Code

Different models are suited to different tasks. Faster models work well for simple requests, while more capable models are better for complex reasoning and development work.

### Performing Actions on Your Device

Claude Code can interact with the file system, not just generate code. For example, it can:

* Create folders and files
* Read and summarize local documents
* Search the web for current information
* Write research results into a file
* Modify files inside a selected project

This makes it possible to automate many tasks without manually navigating applications or menus.

### Managing the Context Window

The context window contains the information Claude can consider during a conversation. As a session becomes longer, more tokens are added to the context.

The `/context` command shows how much of this capacity is currently being used. Starting a new session or using `/clear` can help when a conversation becomes too large or moves to an unrelated task.

Use `/resume` when you need to continue a previous conversation without starting again.

### Working Inside a Code Editor

Claude Code can also run in the integrated terminal of a code editor. This setup lets you communicate with Claude while viewing and editing project files on the same screen.

It is especially useful for development work because you can immediately inspect the files Claude creates or modifies.

### Using Claude Desktop

In Claude Desktop, open the **Code** tab and start a local session. Select the folder Claude should work with, and it will be able to inspect and modify the files inside it.

Claude Desktop also offers different permission modes:

* **Permission mode** asks before performing actions
* **Plan mode** prepares an approach before making changes
* **Auto mode** decides which actions can run without approval

Permission mode is safer when working with sensitive files or connected services. Auto mode allows Claude to work more independently but should be used carefully.

> ### Task
>
> * Use Claude Code to complete a simple action on your device.
>
> - Create a folder called `Claude Practice`.
>
> - Create a text file with three project ideas.
>
> > **Summarize the files in this folder.**
>
> > **Show me the available Claude Code commands.**
>
> > **Check how much context this session is using.**

Learn how to use Claude Code to plan, build, improve, and automate a practical business application. You will set up an effective project environment, give Claude reliable context, turn specifications into working features, create reusable skills, connect external tools, and schedule recurring processes.

Explore how Claude Code works, install it locally, and use it to complete your first practical tasks. Learn how project context improves its results and how to refine and deploy what it creates.