The complete reference for every slash command available in Claude Code. Learn built-in commands, create custom commands, and build efficient workflows with Claude Code commands.
Claude Code commands are slash commands that you type directly in the Claude Code CLI to perform specific actions. Every command starts with a forward slash (/) followed by the command name. When you type a slash command, Claude Code executes the action immediately rather than treating it as a conversational prompt.
Think of Claude Code commands as the control layer for your AI coding assistant. While natural language prompts tell Claude what to build, slash commands control how the tool itself behaves. They let you manage your session, switch models, control permissions, and trigger specific workflows without leaving the terminal.
Claude Code ships with a set of built-in slash commands that cover the most common operations. These include session management commands like /clear and /compact, configuration commands like /model and /permissions, and utility commands like /cost and /review.
Beyond built-in options, Claude Code supports custom slash commands that you define yourself. By adding markdown files to the .claude/commands/ directory, you create reusable command templates tailored to your project. Custom Claude Code commands are particularly powerful for encoding team-specific workflows that everyone on your team can invoke with a single slash.
Claude Code includes 15 built-in slash commands that cover session management, configuration, authentication, and development workflows. These commands are available in every Claude Code session without any setup. Type /help at any time to see the full list of Claude Code commands available in your current session.
One of the most powerful features of Claude Code commands is the ability to create your own custom slash commands. Custom commands let you encode frequently used prompts, workflows, and templates into reusable shortcuts that anyone on your team can invoke.
To create a custom command, add a markdown file to the .claude/commands/ directory. You can place this directory in your project root for project-specific commands, or in your home directory for global commands available across all projects. The filename becomes the command name — for example, deploy.md creates the /deploy command.
The content of your markdown file serves as the prompt template. When someone runs your custom command, Claude Code reads the markdown and uses it as the instruction. You can include a $ARGUMENTS placeholder to accept dynamic input — for example, a custom /review command that takes a file path as an argument.
Custom Claude Code commands are version-controlled alongside your codebase. Commit the .claude/commands/ directory to your repository, and every team member gets the same set of project-specific commands automatically. This makes custom commands an excellent way to standardize workflows across your team.
Both Claude Code commands and agent skills enhance your Claude Code experience, but they serve different purposes. Understanding when to use each one helps you build the most efficient workflow.
| Aspect | Claude Code Commands | Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Quick actions — execute immediately | Persistent knowledge — loaded automatically |
| Activation | User types the slash command | Claude loads when task matches |
| Scope | Single action per invocation | Ongoing guidance across session |
| Format | Markdown file in .claude/commands/ | SKILL.md file in .claude/skills/ |
| Best for | Deployments, reviews, one-off tasks | Coding standards, patterns, domain knowledge |
In practice, the most productive developers use both. Claude Code commands handle explicit actions you trigger on demand, while skills provide background knowledge that shapes every response. For example, you might use a /deploy custom command for deployments, while a "React Best Practices" skill guides every component Claude generates. Explore our full library of skills in the Claude Skills Marketplace.
These tips will help you get the most out of Claude Code commands, whether you are a beginner just learning the basics or an experienced user looking to optimize your workflow.
Claude Code commands are slash commands that you type directly in the Claude Code CLI to perform specific actions. They start with a forward slash (/) followed by the command name. Built-in commands handle tasks like clearing context, switching models, managing permissions, and reviewing code. You can also create custom Claude Code commands by adding markdown files to the .claude/commands/ directory.
Type /help in your Claude Code session to see a complete list of all available commands. This includes both built-in Claude Code commands and any custom commands you have created in your .claude/commands/ directory. The help output shows each command name alongside a brief description of what it does.
Yes. Create a .claude/commands/ directory in your project root or home directory. Add a markdown file for each custom command (for example, deploy.md). The filename becomes the command name, so deploy.md creates the /deploy command. The markdown content serves as the prompt template. Custom Claude Code commands support a $ARGUMENTS placeholder for dynamic input.
Claude Code commands are quick actions triggered by typing a slash command. They execute immediately and are ideal for specific tasks like clearing context or switching models. Skills, on the other hand, are persistent knowledge packages that Claude loads automatically when relevant. Skills provide ongoing guidance across sessions, while commands are one-time actions. Both are valuable — commands for control, skills for knowledge.
Expand your Claude Code knowledge beyond commands. These resources cover skills, the marketplace, and best practices for getting the most out of your AI coding assistant.
Browse and download agent skills that complement your Claude Code commands with persistent knowledge.
The largest collection of curated skills for Claude Code and other AI coding platforms.
Step-by-step guide to installing and using skills alongside Claude Code commands.
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