Claude Code Best Practices by Anthropic Teams
Team Practices Overview
| Team | Primary Utilities | Top Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Data Infrastructure | • Kubernetes debugging with screenshots • Plan text workflows for finance team • Codebase navigation for new hires • End-of-session documentation updates • Parallel task management across multiple instances |
• Write detailed Claude.md files - Better documentation leads to better Claude Code performance • Use MCP servers for sensitive data - Better security control than BigQuery CLI • Share team usage sessions - Demonstrate workflows to spread best practices |
| Claude Code (Product) | • Fast prototyping with auto-accept mode • Synchronizing core and side features • Building Vim mode • Test generation and bug fixes • Codebase exploration |
• Create self-sufficient loops - Set up Claude to verify its own work automatically • Develop task classification solution - Know when to use async vs sync execution • Form clear, detailed prompts - Specificity enables autonomous work |
| Security Engineering | • Complex infrastructure debugging • Transform code review and analysis • Documentation synthesis and runbooks • Task-driven development workflow • Context switching and project onboarding |
• Use custom slash commands extensively - Streamline workflows and speed up repeated tasks • Let Claude talk first - Tell Claude to “commit as you go” for autonomous work • Leverage for documentation - Excel at synthesizing docs and structured outputs |
| Inference | • Codebase comprehension and onboarding • Unit test generation with edge case coverage • Machine learning concept explanation • Cross-language code translation • Command recall and Kubernetes management |
• Test knowledge base first - Verify if Claude answers faster than Google • Start with code generation - Give instructions, verify correctness, build trust • Use for test writing - Relieves pressure from daily development |
| Data Science & ML Engineering | • Building JavaScript/TypeScript dashboard apps • Handling repetitive refactoring tasks • Creating persistent analytics tools instead of throwaway notebooks • Zero-dependency task delegation |
• Treat it like a tool machine - Save time, run 30 min, accept or restart flows • Interrupt for simplicity - Ask “why are you doing this? Try something simpler” |
| API Knowledge | • First-step workflow planning • Independence debugging across codebases • Model iteration testing through debugging • Eliminating context-switching overhead |
• Treat as iterative partner - Collaborate and iterate rather than expecting one-shot solutions • Build confidence in unfamiliar areas - Tackle bugs outside your expertise • Start with minimal information - Let Claude guide you through the process |
| Growth Marketing | • Automated Google Ads creative generation • Figma plugin for mass creative production • Meta Ads MCP server for campaign analytics • Advanced prompt engineering with memory systems |
• Identify API-enabled repetitive tasks - Prime candidates for automation • Break workflows into sub-agents - Separate agents for specific tasks improve quality • Thoroughly brainstorm before coding - Plan in Claude at first, work step-by-step |
| Product Design | • Front-end polish and state management changes • GitHub Actions automated ticketing • Rapid interactive prototyping • Edge case discovery and system architecture understanding • Complex copy changes and legal compliance |
• Get proper setup help - Have engineers help with repository setup • Use custom memory files - Tell Claude you’re a designer needing detailed explanations • Leverage image pasting - CircleV screenshots for instant prototyping |
| RL Engineering | • Feature development with supervised autonomy • Test generation and code review • Debugging and error investigation • Codebase comprehension and diff stack analysis • Kubernetes operations guidance |
• Customize Claude.md for patterns - Prevent repeated tool-calling mistakes • Use checkpoint-heavy workflows - Commit regularly for easy rollbacks • Try one-shot first - Let Claude attempt full implementation, then collaborate if needed |
| Legal | • Custom accessibility solution for family members • Legal document workflow automation • Team coordination tools • Rapid prototyping for solution validation |
• Plan extensively in Claude first - Flush out ideas before implementation • Work incrementally and visually - One step at a time, use screenshots liberally • Share prototypes despite imperfection - “Key” progress engages innovation |
Key Takeaways
- Team Types: Claude Code serves both technical teams (augmented workflow) and non-technical teams (new capabilities)
- Documentation: Claude.md files is crucial for optimal performance
- Workflow: Checkpoint frequently and be willing to restart when things go wrong
- Communication: Visual inputs (screenshots) often work better than text descriptions
- Task Management: Breaking complex tasks into smaller, specialized components improves results