Part 2: Tools Mastery (CLI & VS Code Extension)
This part provides comprehensive coverage of Claude Code’s command-line interface and VS Code extension, from basic terminal workflows to advanced automation patterns.
Why CLI & Extension Mastery Matters
CLI enables:
- Scriptable workflows - Automate repetitive tasks
- Unix composition - Pipe commands together
- CI/CD integration - Run in automated pipelines
- Terminal-first development - Stay in your flow
- Team automation - Share scripts across team
Extension enables:
- Visual feedback - Side-by-side diffs
- Plan Mode - Review changes before applying
- Interactive development - Iterative problem solving
- Learning - Explore code with guidance
- Safe refactoring - Multi-file changes with control
Sections in This Part
Section 1: Terminal Workflows & Command Patterns
Master CLI fundamentals including interactive mode, command patterns, piping strategies, and session management.
Key Topics:
- CLI basics and command structure
- Interactive vs command mode
- Piping and Unix composition
- Session management and context
- CLI configuration
Section 2: CLI Automation & Scripting
Learn to automate workflows with scripts, hooks, and CI/CD integration patterns for bash, zsh, and PowerShell.
Key Topics:
- Pre-commit and post-merge hooks
- CI/CD integration (GitHub Actions, GitLab CI)
- Batch operations and parallel processing
- Error handling strategies
- PowerShell automation
Section 3: VS Code Extension Guide
Complete guide to the VS Code extension including installation, Plan Mode, interactive features, and core workflows.
Key Topics:
- Installation and configuration
- Interface and keyboard shortcuts
- Plan Mode and Context Rewind
- Interactive features (inline chat, slash commands)
- Core workflows (development, debugging, review)
- Session management and troubleshooting
Section 4: CLI vs VS Code Extension
Decision matrix for choosing the right tool, including when to use CLI vs Extension and hybrid workflow patterns.
Key Topics:
- Quick decision matrix
- Tool strengths and use cases
- Scenario-based recommendations
- Hybrid workflow patterns
- Performance and cost optimization
Section 5: Advanced CLI Patterns
Advanced techniques including multi-repo workflows, tool integration, parallel execution, and remote execution.
Key Topics:
- Multi-repository workflows
- Tool integration (Git, Docker, Kubernetes)
- Parallel execution patterns
- Terminal multiplexing (tmux)
- Remote execution patterns
Section 6: Commands & Plugins System
Extensibility through custom commands, plugins, and skills for project-specific workflows and team collaboration.
Key Topics:
- Custom commands creation
- Official and community plugins
- Skills system for domain expertise
- Creating and publishing plugins
- Team collaboration patterns
Quick Start (15 Minutes)
- Master CLI Basics (5 min) - Section 1: Interactive and command modes
- Try VS Code Extension (5 min) - Section 3: Install and test Plan Mode
- First Automation (5 min) - Section 2: Create pre-commit hook
Learning Objectives
After completing Part 2, you will:
- Master interactive and command modes in CLI
- Pipe command outputs to Claude for analysis
- Use VS Code extension with Plan Mode for safe refactoring
- Write automation scripts (hooks, CI/CD)
- Know when to use CLI vs VS Code Extension
- Implement advanced multi-repo workflows
- Create custom commands and plugins
- Integrate Claude into existing terminal workflows