Advanced Claude Code Workflows: Slash Commands, Subagents, and Quality Control
Tara Schofield returns for a deeper dive into advanced Claude Code techniques, demonstrating sophisticated workflows for content creation at Datadog. She showcases slash commands for reusable instructions, strategic model selection (Opus for big-picture analysis, Sonnet for execution), and XML annotation techniques for clearer instructions. A key highlight is her use of subagents for unbiased quality validation - separate agents that evaluate work with fresh context and no knowledge of the creation process. The episode covers context management strategies to avoid ‘context poisoning,’ integration between Cursor’s Quick Chat and Claude Code, and auto-accept mode for bulk file generation. Tara demonstrates how Claude can even help write and iterate on its own slash commands and subagent configurations, creating a self-improving workflow system.
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Key Takeaways
- Slash commands are reusable instructions that can be configured at project or global level for consistent workflows
- Use Opus model for big picture analysis and outlining, then switch to Sonnet for execution to optimize cost and performance
- XML annotations help Claude better understand templates and instructions line by line
- Context poisoning is real - clear context frequently and keep instructions focused for better results
- Subagents provide unbiased validation by evaluating work with fresh context and no knowledge of the creation process
- Auto-accept mode in Claude Code can speed up bulk file generation when used carefully
- Cursor's Quick Chat integration allows seamless inline editing without switching tools
- Claude can help write and iterate on slash commands and subagent configurations
- Style guides and validation rules work best when separated from content creation instructions
Resources
Claude Code Slash Commands Documentation
Official documentation for creating and using slash commands
Claude Code Subagents Guide
Information about using subagents for validation and quality control
Anthropic Claude Models Documentation
Guide to different Claude models and their optimal use cases