Claude Code Prompts for Shipping Code from the Terminal
Claude Code is a terminal-based coding agent: you point it at a repository and describe what you want in plain language, and it reads files, runs commands, and edits code across the project. It's strongest on multi-step, terminal-heavy work—running tests, wiring up tooling, large refactors. The teams that get the most out of it give it a CLAUDE.md with project context and prompt it to plan before it writes. These templates show that workflow.
Last updated · By the Prompt Orange team
Prompt examples you can copy & use
Plan before building
“build the feature”
Too vague—AI has to guess what you want
“Before writing any code, read the relevant files and give me a numbered implementation plan for adding CSV export to the reports page. Include which files you'll touch and any edge cases. Wait for my approval before editing anything.”
Specific, clear, ready to use
Write a CLAUDE.md
“remember my project”
Too vague—AI has to guess what you want
“Create a CLAUDE.md for this repo so future sessions have context. Include: the stack and key conventions, how to run the dev server and tests, the directory layout (what lives in /data, /components, /lib), and three things you should never change. Keep it scannable with short sections.”
Specific, clear, ready to use
Test-driven change
“add a function and test it”
Too vague—AI has to guess what you want
“Add a `formatCurrency(amount, currency)` helper to @lib/format.js. First write failing unit tests covering GBP, USD, zero, and negative values, run them to confirm they fail, then implement until they pass. Don't change unrelated code.”
Specific, clear, ready to use
Large refactor safely
“rename this everywhere”
Too vague—AI has to guess what you want
“Rename the `user` prop to `account` across the codebase. Do it in stages: 1) list every file that references it, 2) make the change, 3) run the test suite and the build, 4) report anything that broke. Stop and ask if the build fails.”
Specific, clear, ready to use
Tips for using Claude Code for shipping code from the terminal
Keep a CLAUDE.md (or AGENTS.md) in the repo so the agent doesn't relearn your project every session
Ask it to plan and wait for approval before large or destructive changes
Tell it to run the tests and the build after editing—then report failures, not just claim success
Scope each task tightly; 'don't touch unrelated code' prevents collateral edits
Review every diff that touches auth, billing, or data—don't auto-approve those