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Claude Code Development Workflow

This project uses Claude Code with specialized slash commands for structured development. This approach follows advanced context engineering principles using commands from dimagi-claude-plugins.

Five-Step Development Flow

1. Research the Codebase

Command: /research_codebase

Before starting work, explore the codebase to find relevant code, patterns, files, and architecture related to your task.

Output: Documentation written to docs/claude/research/

Purpose: Build context about existing implementations, coding patterns, and related functionality before planning changes.

2. Create Implementation Plan

Command: /create_plan

Based on the task requirements and research findings, create a detailed implementation plan.

Output: Plan written to docs/claude/plans/

Purpose: Define the approach, identify files to modify, and outline implementation steps before writing code.

3. Iterate on the Plan

Command: /iterate_plan

Refine the plan based on feedback, additional research, or changed requirements.

Purpose: Ensure the plan is comprehensive and accurate before implementation begins.

4. Implement the Plan

Command: /implement_plan

Execute the plan by writing code, running tests, and making the planned changes.

Purpose: Systematically implement the solution following the validated plan.

5. Validate Implementation

Command: /validate_plan

Verify that the implementation meets the plan's requirements and success criteria.

Purpose: Confirm the implementation is complete and correct before considering the task done.

Benefits

  • Reduced errors: Research and planning before coding prevents architectural mistakes
  • Better context: Claude understands the codebase before making changes
  • Traceable decisions: Plans and research are documented for future reference
  • Systematic approach: Structured workflow ensures nothing is missed
  • Easier reviews: Documented plans make code reviews more focused

Tips

  • Use /research_codebase even for small tasks to understand existing patterns
  • Iterate on plans when requirements are unclear or complex
  • Reference research documents when asking questions about implementation
  • Keep plans focused on a single feature or fix

Local Environment Setup

To use these slash commands in Claude Code, install the required plugin:

/plugin marketplace add dimagi/claude-plugins
/plugin install research-plan-build