Common Claude Code Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Learn from others' experiences to get better results faster.
Mistake #1: Being Too Vague
The most common mistake is giving vague instructions and expecting Claude to read your mind.
Don't
"Fix the login"
Do
"Fix the login form validation in auth.ts - it's accepting emails without @ symbols"
Why it matters: Vague prompts lead to guessing. Claude might fix something unrelated or ask clarifying questions that waste time. Specificity gets results.
Mistake #2: Not Providing Context
Claude can read your codebase, but it doesn't know your business rules, team conventions, or unwritten requirements.
Don't
"Add a new API endpoint"
Do
"Add a new API endpoint following our pattern in routes/users.ts. Include auth middleware, rate limiting, and our standard error responses."
Mistake #3: Asking for Too Much at Once
"Build me an e-commerce site" is not a good prompt. Break large tasks into manageable pieces.
Don't
"Build the entire checkout flow"
Do
"Create the cart summary component. Next we'll do shipping, then payment."
Why it matters: Smaller chunks are easier to review, easier to test, and easier to course-correct if something goes wrong.
Mistake #4: Not Reviewing Generated Code
Some developers blindly commit AI-generated code without review. This is dangerous.
Always Review For:
- • Security vulnerabilities (SQL injection, XSS, hardcoded secrets)
- • Business logic correctness
- • Edge cases and error handling
- • Performance implications
- • Consistency with your codebase
Mistake #5: Restarting Instead of Iterating
When Claude's output isn't perfect, some developers start over with a new prompt. This wastes the context Claude has built up.
Don't
"That's not what I wanted" *starts new conversation*
Do
"Good start. But the error handling should use our ErrorBoundary pattern. Update that part."
Mistake #6: Ignoring Claude's Questions
When Claude asks clarifying questions, it's trying to avoid mistakes. Ignoring these or answering dismissively leads to poor results.
Claude asks: "Should this function handle the case where the user array is empty?"
Bad response: "Whatever, just do it"
Good response: "Yes, return an empty array in that case with a 200 status"
Mistake #7: Not Using the Right Tools
Claude can run commands, but some developers don't take advantage of this:
- "Run the tests" - Let Claude verify its own work
- "Show me the git diff" - Review changes before committing
- "Check for TypeScript errors" - Catch issues early
Mistake #8: Fighting Instead of Guiding
If Claude keeps producing something you don't want, the problem is usually the prompt, not Claude. Step back and re-explain what you need.
# If Claude keeps using the wrong pattern:
"I see you're using class components. We use functional components with hooks in this codebase. Look at src/components/UserCard.tsx for our pattern, then rewrite this."
Mistake #9: Not Setting Boundaries
Without boundaries, Claude might change files you didn't want touched or make broader changes than necessary.
Don't
"Refactor the codebase"
Do
"Refactor only the files in src/utils/. Don't change any exports or function signatures."
Mistake #10: Sitting and Watching
Claude works autonomously. You don't need to watch every keystroke. With Bridge Terminal, you can:
- Start a task and do something else
- Get notified when Claude needs input
- Approve changes from your phone
- Return to completed work
The Golden Rules
- Be specific in your requests
- Provide context about conventions
- Break large tasks into small ones
- Always review generated code
- Iterate instead of restarting
Work Smarter, Not Harder
Use Bridge Terminal to monitor tasks and approve changes without sitting at your desk.
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