Why This Matters#

When working with Claude Code, sometimes you need to quickly perform a service action: compress conversation history, rename a session, check settings. That’s what slash commands are for — short commands that start with the / (slash) symbol.

They’re like keyboard shortcuts, but in text form. Instead of explaining to Claude what you want to do, you simply type a command.

What is a Slash Command#

A slash command is a special instruction for Claude Code that starts with /. It’s not a question or request to Claude — it’s a direct command to the system.

For example:

• /help — show help
• /compact — compress conversation history

Main Built-in Commands#

Conversation Management#

Information and Settings#

Session Management#

Debugging and Feedback#

Step-by-Step Instructions#

How to Use /compact#

When needed: You’ve been chatting with Claude for a while, and it starts “forgetting” the beginning of the conversation or works slower. This happens because Claude has a limit on the volume of text it can “keep in mind” (called the context window).

What to do:

1. Simply type in the chat:

   /compact

2. Claude will compress the entire conversation history into a brief summary

3. You continue working, but Claude remembers the gist of the previous discussion

💡 You can add a hint: /compact focus on the database work — then Claude will emphasize that topic when compressing.

How to Use /resume#

When needed: You closed the terminal or restarted Claude Code but want to continue a previous conversation.

What to do:

1. Launch Claude Code:

   claude

2. Type:

   /resume

3. Claude will show a list of recent sessions — choose the one you need

💡 You can also launch with a flag: claude --resume — this immediately offers to continue the last session.

How to Use /config#

When needed: You want to view or change settings without editing files manually.

What to do:

1. Type:

   /config

2. An interactive interface with tabs will open

3. Navigate between sections and change the parameters you need

How to Rename a Session#

When needed: You have many sessions and want to give the current one a clear name.

What to do:

1. Type:

   /rename Working on the homepage

2. Now when using /resume, this session will have a clear name

Skills — Custom Commands#

Besides built-in commands, you can create your own! In Claude Code, they’re called skills.

How to Create Your Own Skill#

1. Create a folder:

   mkdir -p .claude/skills/review-code

2. Create the file .claude/skills/review-code/SKILL.md:

   ---
   invoke: user
   ---
   
   # Code Review
   
   Check the current code for:
   1. Errors and bugs
   2. Readability
   3. Compliance with project style
   
   Output the result in this format:
   - ✅ What's good
   - ⚠️ What can be improved
   - ❌ What needs to be fixed

3. Now you can invoke this skill:

   /review-code

Where to Store Skills#

Useful Scenarios#

Scenario 1: Long Project Work#

You: Let's create a contacts page...
Claude: [works]
You: Now add a feedback form...
Claude: [works]
... (an hour later) ...
You: /compact work on the contacts page
Claude: [compressed context, remembers the gist]
You: Now add form validation
Claude: [continues working]

Scenario 2: Multi-Day Work#

--- Day 1 ---
You: Let's start building an online store...
Claude: [works]
You: /rename Online store: product catalog
(close terminal)

--- Day 2 ---
claude
You: /resume
(select "Online store: product catalog")
You: Let's continue, add a shopping cart

Tips#

• ✅ Use /compact when the conversation gets long (more than 20-30 messages)
• ✅ Give sessions clear names with /rename
• ✅ Create skills for repetitive tasks
• ✅ Type /help if you forget a command

Lesson Summary#

• Slash commands are quick system commands starting with /
• /compact compresses history, /resume continues a past session, /config opens settings
• You can create your own skills — custom commands for repetitive tasks
• Skills are stored in .claude/skills/ (project) or ~/.claude/skills/ (personal)
• Slash commands save time and make work more convenient