//https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_WOaDJ7g90
Planning Mode
Claude Code includes a Planning Mode that helps design implementation approaches before making code changes. This mode is activated via the /plan command and is particularly valuable for complex tasks.
Planning Mode should be used for:
- Non-trivial implementation tasks - Features or changes that span multiple files or systems
- Multiple valid approaches - When there are several ways to solve a problem (e.g., choosing between Redis, in-memory, or file-based caching)
- Architectural decisions - Changes requiring trade-offs between patterns or technologies
- Multi-file changes - Tasks that will touch more than 2-3 files
- Unclear requirements - When the scope needs investigation before implementation
- User preference matters - When implementation could reasonably go multiple ways and user input is valuable
How Planning Mode Works
Planning Mode follows four phases:
- Exploration - Claude uses Explore agents to research the codebase, find relevant files, and understand existing patterns
- Design - A plan is created outlining the implementation strategy, affected files, and key decisions
- Review - The user reviews the plan, asks questions, and approves or requests changes
- Implementation - After approval, Claude exits Planning Mode and executes the plan
Key Benefits
- Alignment before action - Ensures you and Claude agree on the approach before any code is written
- Prevents wasted effort - Catches misunderstandings early, before time is spent on the wrong solution
- Explores alternatives - Allows discussion of different approaches and their trade-offs
- Documents reasoning - The plan serves as documentation for why decisions were made
- Reduces rework - Getting sign-off upfront means fewer mid-implementation course corrections
Example Usage
/plan Add user authentication to the app
Claude will explore the codebase, identify existing auth patterns (if any), propose an approach (session-based vs JWT, middleware structure, etc.), and present a plan for review before implementing.
Subagents
…
Rewind
> /rewind 3
Rewinding to snapshot from 3 turns ago...
Settting
~/.claude/settings.josn
{
"model": "sonnet-4",
"MAX_THINKING_TOKENS": "10000"
}