Claude's core cycle: gather context (read/grep) \u2192 take action (edit/run) \u2192 verify (tests) \u2192 repeat until the task is done.

The interactive read\u2013eval\u2013print loop you get after typing claude \u2014 you type, it responds, in one running session.

Markdown project-memory file Claude reads at the start of every session: commands, style, architecture, gotchas.

How much Claude may do without asking: plan, default, acceptEdits, or bypass. Cycle with Shift+Tab.

Read-only mode where Claude explores and proposes a plan without editing source, gated by your approval.

A reusable packaged workflow in .claude/skills/<name>/SKILL.md, invoked with /name or auto-selected when relevant.

A specialized assistant running in its own isolated context window for side tasks; defined in .claude/agents/<name>.md.

Model Context Protocol \u2014 an open standard connecting Claude Code to external tools and data (GitHub, databases, browsers).

A shell command that runs automatically at a lifecycle event (e.g. PostToolUse) \u2014 deterministic, configured in settings.json.

Non-interactive mode: claude -p "prompt" runs one task and exits \u2014 the basis for scripting and CI.

A saved state you can rewind to with Esc Esc, undoing recent file changes.

A financing statement filed to perfect a lender's security interest in a debtor's collateral.

The UCC rule requiring a registered organization's exact legal name on a filing; a wrong name can be seriously misleading.