Headless AI Development: Using Claude Code as a Background Daemon
Set it and forget it. Let AI work while you're away.
What is Headless Development?
Headless AI development means running Claude Code in the background while you do other things - or nothing at all. Start a task, close your laptop, and check back later to find the work done. It's like having a junior developer who works while you sleep.
The Traditional vs Headless Workflow
Traditional
- Sit at computer
- Give Claude a task
- Watch it work
- Wait for questions
- Repeat
Time spent: 100%
Headless
- Give Claude a task
- Walk away
- Get notified on phone
- Approve from anywhere
- Return to completed work
Time spent: 10%
Perfect Tasks for Headless Mode
- Comprehensive test generation: Write tests for an entire module
- Documentation passes: Add JSDoc to all exported functions
- Migration tasks: Update deprecated APIs across the codebase
- Bulk refactoring: Rename a pattern across 50+ files
- Code review prep: Fix linting issues, add types, clean up TODOs
Setting Up for Headless Success
1. Give Clear, Complete Instructions
When you won't be there to clarify, front-load all the context:
# Bad: Needs clarification
"Add tests to the user module"
# Good: Self-contained
"Add unit tests to src/services/UserService.ts covering:
- Happy path for all public methods
- Error cases (invalid input, network failures)
- Edge cases (empty arrays, null values)
Use Jest with our existing test patterns from src/services/__tests__/"
2. Set Up Mobile Monitoring
Bridge Terminal lets you monitor your headless sessions from your phone. Get notifications when Claude needs input, review changes, and approve operations without returning to your desk.
3. Use Pre-Approved Commands
Configure which commands Claude can run automatically. For safe operations like running tests or linting, auto-approval speeds up headless work.
A Headless Workflow Example
Start task at your desk
"Add comprehensive error handling to all API routes in src/routes/. Log errors to our logging service, return appropriate HTTP status codes, and add tests for each error path."
Leave for meeting
Claude starts working. You head to a 2-hour meeting.
Phone notification
Claude needs to know: "Should I add error handling to deprecated routes marked for removal?" You reply: "Skip deprecated routes."
Progress notification
"15 of 20 routes complete. Tests passing."
Return to completed work
All routes have error handling. 45 new tests added. Ready for review.
Best Practices for Headless Tasks
- Break large tasks into chunks: "Do the user module first, then I'll start the next one"
- Set boundaries: "Only modify files in src/services/, don't touch config files"
- Request progress updates: "Let me know after every 5 files"
- Define done: "Run tests and show me the results when complete"
- Have a rollback plan: Always work in a git branch
When Not to Go Headless
Some tasks need your active attention:
- Architectural decisions that need judgment calls
- Security-sensitive changes
- Exploratory tasks where you're learning the codebase
- Time-critical fixes that need immediate verification
Monitor Your Daemon
Bridge Terminal gives you mobile control over headless sessions. Check progress, approve changes, and stay informed from anywhere.
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