📚 Claude Code Learning Roadmap

New to Claude Code? This guide helps you master Claude Code features at your own pace. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced developer, start with the self-assessment quiz below to find the right path for you.

🧭 Find Your Level

Not everyone starts from the same place. Take this quick self-assessment to find the right entry point.

Answer these questions honestly:

I can start Claude Code and have a conversation (claude)
I have created or edited a CLAUDE.md file
I have used at least 3 built-in slash commands (e.g., /help, /compact, /model)
I have created a custom slash command or skill (SKILL.md)
I have configured an MCP server (e.g., GitHub, database)
I have set up hooks in ~/.claude/settings.json
I have created or used custom subagents (.claude/agents/)
I have used print mode (claude -p) for scripting or CI/CD

Your Level:

Checks	Level	Start At	Time to Complete
0-2	Level 1: Beginner — Getting Started	Milestone 1A	~3 hours
3-5	Level 2: Intermediate — Building Workflows	Milestone 2A	~5 hours
6-8	Level 3: Advanced — Power User & Team Lead	Milestone 3A	~5 hours

Tip: If you're unsure, start one level lower. It's better to review familiar material quickly than to miss foundational concepts.

Interactive version: Run /self-assessment in Claude Code for a guided, interactive quiz that scores your proficiency across all 10 feature areas and generates a personalized learning path.

🎯 Learning Philosophy

The folders in this repository are numbered in recommended learning order based on three key principles:

Dependencies - Foundational concepts come first
Complexity - Easier features before advanced ones
Frequency of Use - Most common features taught early

This approach ensures you build a solid foundation while gaining immediate productivity benefits.

🗺️ Your Learning Path

Color Legend:

💜 Purple: Self-Assessment Quiz
🟢 Green: Level 1 — Beginner path
🔵 Blue / 🟡 Gold: Level 2 — Intermediate path
🔴 Red: Level 3 — Advanced path

📊 Complete Roadmap Table

Step	Feature	Complexity	Time	Level	Dependencies	Why Learn This	Key Benefits
1	Slash Commands	⭐ Beginner	30 min	Level 1	None	Quick productivity wins (55+ built-in + 5 bundled skills)	Instant automation, team standards
2	Memory	⭐⭐ Beginner+	45 min	Level 1	None	Essential for all features	Persistent context, preferences
3	Checkpoints	⭐⭐ Intermediate	45 min	Level 1	Session management	Safe exploration	Experimentation, recovery
4	CLI Basics	⭐⭐ Beginner+	30 min	Level 1	None	Core CLI usage	Interactive & print mode
5	Skills	⭐⭐ Intermediate	1 hour	Level 2	Slash Commands	Automatic expertise	Reusable capabilities, consistency
6	Hooks	⭐⭐ Intermediate	1 hour	Level 2	Tools, Commands	Workflow automation (25 events, 4 types)	Validation, quality gates
7	MCP	⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate+	1 hour	Level 2	Configuration	Live data access	Real-time integration, APIs
8	Subagents	⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate+	1.5 hours	Level 2	Memory, Commands	Complex task handling (6 built-in including Bash)	Delegation, specialized expertise
9	Advanced Features	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced	2-3 hours	Level 3	All previous	Power user tools	Planning, Auto Mode, Channels, Voice Dictation, permissions
10	Plugins	⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced	2 hours	Level 3	All previous	Complete solutions	Team onboarding, distribution
11	CLI Mastery	⭐⭐⭐ Advanced	1 hour	Level 3	Recommended: All	Master command-line usage	Scripting, CI/CD, automation

Total Learning Time: ~11-13 hours (or jump to your level and save time)

🟢 Level 1: Beginner — Getting Started

For: Users with 0-2 quiz checks Time: ~3 hours Focus: Immediate productivity, understanding fundamentals Outcome: Comfortable daily user, ready for Level 2

Milestone 1A: First Commands & Memory

Topics: Slash Commands + Memory Time: 1-2 hours Complexity: ⭐ Beginner Goal: Immediate productivity boost with custom commands and persistent context

What You'll Achieve

✅ Create custom slash commands for repetitive tasks ✅ Set up project memory for team standards ✅ Configure personal preferences ✅ Understand how Claude loads context automatically

Hands-on Exercises

bash

# Exercise 1: Install your first slash command
mkdir -p .claude/commands
cp 01-slash-commands/optimize.md .claude/commands/

# Exercise 2: Create project memory
cp 02-memory/project-CLAUDE.md ./CLAUDE.md

# Exercise 3: Try it out
# In Claude Code, type: /optimize

Success Criteria

Successfully invoke /optimize command
Claude remembers your project standards from CLAUDE.md
You understand when to use slash commands vs. memory

Next Steps

Once comfortable, read:

Check your understanding: Run /lesson-quiz slash-commands or /lesson-quiz memory in Claude Code to test what you've learned.

Milestone 1B: Safe Exploration

Topics: Checkpoints + CLI Basics Time: 1 hour Complexity: ⭐⭐ Beginner+ Goal: Learn to experiment safely and use core CLI commands

What You'll Achieve

✅ Create and restore checkpoints for safe experimentation ✅ Understand interactive vs. print mode ✅ Use basic CLI flags and options ✅ Process files via piping

Hands-on Exercises

bash

# Exercise 1: Try checkpoint workflow
# In Claude Code:
# Make some experimental changes, then press Esc+Esc or use /rewind
# Select the checkpoint before your experiment
# Choose "Restore code and conversation" to go back

# Exercise 2: Interactive vs Print mode
claude "explain this project"           # Interactive mode
claude -p "explain this function"       # Print mode (non-interactive)

# Exercise 3: Process file content via piping
cat error.log | claude -p "explain this error"

Success Criteria

Created and reverted to a checkpoint
Used both interactive and print mode
Piped a file to Claude for analysis
Understand when to use checkpoints for safe experimentation

Next Steps

Read: 08-checkpoints/README.md
Read: 10-cli/README.md
Ready for Level 2! Proceed to Milestone 2A

Check your understanding: Run /lesson-quiz checkpoints or /lesson-quiz cli to verify you're ready for Level 2.

🔵 Level 2: Intermediate — Building Workflows

For: Users with 3-5 quiz checks Time: ~5 hours Focus: Automation, integration, task delegation Outcome: Automated workflows, external integrations, ready for Level 3

Prerequisites Check

Before starting Level 2, make sure you're comfortable with these Level 1 concepts:

Can create and use slash commands (01-slash-commands/)
Have set up project memory via CLAUDE.md (02-memory/)
Know how to create and restore checkpoints (08-checkpoints/)
Can use claude and claude -p from the command line (10-cli/)

Gaps? Review the linked tutorials above before continuing.

Milestone 2A: Automation (Skills + Hooks)

Topics: Skills + Hooks Time: 2-3 hours Complexity: ⭐⭐ Intermediate Goal: Automate common workflows and quality checks

What You'll Achieve

✅ Auto-invoke specialized capabilities with YAML frontmatter (including effort and shell fields) ✅ Set up event-driven automation across 25 hook events ✅ Use all 4 hook types (command, http, prompt, agent) ✅ Enforce code quality standards ✅ Create custom hooks for your workflow

Hands-on Exercises

bash

# Exercise 1: Install a skill
cp -r 03-skills/code-review ~/.claude/skills/

# Exercise 2: Set up hooks
mkdir -p ~/.claude/hooks
cp 06-hooks/pre-tool-check.sh ~/.claude/hooks/
chmod +x ~/.claude/hooks/pre-tool-check.sh

# Exercise 3: Configure hooks in settings
# Add to ~/.claude/settings.json:
{
  "hooks": {
    "PreToolUse": [
      {
        "matcher": "Bash",
        "hooks": [
          {
            "type": "command",
            "command": "~/.claude/hooks/pre-tool-check.sh"
          }
        ]
      }
    ]
  }
}

Success Criteria

Code review skill automatically invoked when relevant
PreToolUse hook runs before tool execution
You understand skill auto-invocation vs. hook event triggers

Next Steps

Create your own custom skill
Set up additional hooks for your workflow
Read: 03-skills/README.md
Read: 06-hooks/README.md

Check your understanding: Run /lesson-quiz skills or /lesson-quiz hooks to test your knowledge before moving on.

Milestone 2B: Integration (MCP + Subagents)

Topics: MCP + Subagents Time: 2-3 hours Complexity: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate+ Goal: Integrate external services and delegate complex tasks

What You'll Achieve

✅ Access live data from GitHub, databases, etc. ✅ Delegate work to specialized AI agents ✅ Understand when to use MCP vs. subagents ✅ Build integrated workflows

Hands-on Exercises

bash

# Exercise 1: Set up GitHub MCP
export GITHUB_TOKEN="your_github_token"
claude mcp add github -- npx -y @modelcontextprotocol/server-github

# Exercise 2: Test MCP integration
# In Claude Code: /mcp__github__list_prs

# Exercise 3: Install subagents
mkdir -p .claude/agents
cp 04-subagents/*.md .claude/agents/

Integration Exercise

Try this complete workflow:

Use MCP to fetch a GitHub PR
Let Claude delegate review to code-reviewer subagent
Use hooks to run tests automatically

Success Criteria

Successfully query GitHub data via MCP
Claude delegates complex tasks to subagents
You understand the difference between MCP and subagents
Combined MCP + subagents + hooks in a workflow

Next Steps

Set up additional MCP servers (database, Slack, etc.)
Create custom subagents for your domain
Read: 05-mcp/README.md
Read: 04-subagents/README.md
Ready for Level 3! Proceed to Milestone 3A

Check your understanding: Run /lesson-quiz mcp or /lesson-quiz subagents to verify you're ready for Level 3.

🔴 Level 3: Advanced — Power User & Team Lead

For: Users with 6-8 quiz checks Time: ~5 hours Focus: Team tooling, CI/CD, enterprise features, plugin development Outcome: Power user, can set up team workflows and CI/CD

Prerequisites Check

Before starting Level 3, make sure you're comfortable with these Level 2 concepts:

Can create and use skills with auto-invocation (03-skills/)
Have set up hooks for event-driven automation (06-hooks/)
Can configure MCP servers for external data (05-mcp/)
Know how to use subagents for task delegation (04-subagents/)

Gaps? Review the linked tutorials above before continuing.

Milestone 3A: Advanced Features

Topics: Advanced Features (Planning, Permissions, Extended Thinking, Auto Mode, Channels, Voice Dictation, Remote/Desktop/Web) Time: 2-3 hours Complexity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced Goal: Master advanced workflows and power user tools

What You'll Achieve

✅ Planning mode for complex features ✅ Fine-grained permission control with 6 modes (default, acceptEdits, plan, auto, dontAsk, bypassPermissions) ✅ Extended thinking via Alt+T / Option+T toggle ✅ Background task management ✅ Auto Memory for learned preferences ✅ Auto Mode with background safety classifier ✅ Channels for structured multi-session workflows ✅ Voice Dictation for hands-free interaction ✅ Remote control, desktop app, and web sessions ✅ Agent Teams for multi-agent collaboration

Hands-on Exercises

bash

# Exercise 1: Use planning mode
/plan Implement user authentication system

# Exercise 2: Try permission modes (6 available: default, acceptEdits, plan, auto, dontAsk, bypassPermissions)
claude --permission-mode plan "analyze this codebase"
claude --permission-mode acceptEdits "refactor the auth module"
claude --permission-mode auto "implement the feature"

# Exercise 3: Enable extended thinking
# Press Alt+T (Option+T on macOS) during a session to toggle

# Exercise 4: Advanced checkpoint workflow
# 1. Create checkpoint "Clean state"
# 2. Use planning mode to design a feature
# 3. Implement with subagent delegation
# 4. Run tests in background
# 5. If tests fail, rewind to checkpoint
# 6. Try alternative approach

# Exercise 5: Try auto mode (background safety classifier)
claude --permission-mode auto "implement user settings page"

# Exercise 6: Enable agent teams
export CLAUDE_AGENT_TEAMS=1
# Ask Claude: "Implement feature X using a team approach"

# Exercise 7: Scheduled tasks
/loop 5m /check-status
# Or use CronCreate for persistent scheduled tasks

# Exercise 8: Channels for multi-session workflows
# Use channels to organize work across sessions

# Exercise 9: Voice Dictation
# Use voice input for hands-free interaction with Claude Code

Success Criteria

Next Steps

Read: 09-advanced-features/README.md

Check your understanding: Run /lesson-quiz advanced to test your mastery of power user features.

Milestone 3B: Team & Distribution (Plugins + CLI Mastery)

Topics: Plugins + CLI Mastery + CI/CD Time: 2-3 hours Complexity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced Goal: Build team tooling, create plugins, master CI/CD integration

What You'll Achieve

✅ Install and create complete bundled plugins ✅ Master CLI for scripting and automation ✅ Set up CI/CD integration with claude -p ✅ JSON output for automated pipelines ✅ Session management and batch processing

Hands-on Exercises

bash

# Exercise 1: Install a complete plugin
# In Claude Code: /plugin install pr-review

# Exercise 2: Print mode for CI/CD
claude -p "Run all tests and generate report"

# Exercise 3: JSON output for scripts
claude -p --output-format json "list all functions"

# Exercise 4: Session management and resumption
claude -r "feature-auth" "continue implementation"

# Exercise 5: CI/CD integration with constraints
claude -p --max-turns 3 --output-format json "review code"

# Exercise 6: Batch processing
for file in *.md; do
  claude -p --output-format json "summarize this: $(cat $file)" > ${file%.md}.summary.json
done

CI/CD Integration Exercise

Create a simple CI/CD script:

Use claude -p to review changed files
Output results as JSON
Process with jq for specific issues
Integrate into GitHub Actions workflow

Success Criteria

Installed and used a plugin
Built or modified a plugin for your team
Used print mode (claude -p) in CI/CD
Generated JSON output for scripting
Resumed a previous session successfully
Created a batch processing script
Integrated Claude into a CI/CD workflow

Real-World Use Cases for CLI

Code Review Automation: Run code reviews in CI/CD pipelines
Log Analysis: Analyze error logs and system outputs
Documentation Generation: Batch generate documentation
Testing Insights: Analyze test failures
Performance Analysis: Review performance metrics
Data Processing: Transform and analyze data files

Next Steps

Read: 07-plugins/README.md
Read: 10-cli/README.md
Create team-wide CLI shortcuts and plugins
Set up batch processing scripts

Check your understanding: Run /lesson-quiz plugins or /lesson-quiz cli to confirm your mastery.

🧪 Test Your Knowledge

This repository includes two interactive skills you can use anytime in Claude Code to evaluate your understanding:

Skill	Command	Purpose
Self-Assessment	`/self-assessment`	Evaluate your overall proficiency across all 10 features. Choose Quick (2 min) or Deep (5 min) mode to get a personalized skill profile and learning path.
Lesson Quiz	`/lesson-quiz [lesson]`	Test your understanding of a specific lesson with 10 questions. Use before a lesson (pre-test), during (progress check), or after (mastery verification).

Examples:

/self-assessment                  # Find your overall level
/lesson-quiz hooks                # Quiz on Lesson 06: Hooks
/lesson-quiz 03                   # Quiz on Lesson 03: Skills
/lesson-quiz advanced-features    # Quiz on Lesson 09

⚡ Quick Start Paths

If You Only Have 15 Minutes

Goal: Get your first win

Copy one slash command: cp 01-slash-commands/optimize.md .claude/commands/
Try it in Claude Code: /optimize
Read: 01-slash-commands/README.md

Outcome: You'll have a working slash command and understand the basics

If You Have 1 Hour

Goal: Set up essential productivity tools

Slash commands (15 min): Copy and test /optimize and /pr
Project memory (15 min): Create CLAUDE.md with your project standards
Install a skill (15 min): Set up code-review skill
Try them together (15 min): See how they work in harmony

Outcome: Basic productivity boost with commands, memory, and auto-skills

If You Have a Weekend

Goal: Become proficient with most features

Saturday Morning (3 hours):

Complete Milestone 1A: Slash Commands + Memory
Complete Milestone 1B: Checkpoints + CLI Basics

Saturday Afternoon (3 hours):

Complete Milestone 2A: Skills + Hooks
Complete Milestone 2B: MCP + Subagents

Sunday (4 hours):

Complete Milestone 3A: Advanced Features
Complete Milestone 3B: Plugins + CLI Mastery + CI/CD
Build a custom plugin for your team

Outcome: You'll be a Claude Code power user ready to train others and automate complex workflows

💡 Learning Tips

✅ Do

Take the quiz first to find your starting point
Complete hands-on exercises for each milestone
Start simple and add complexity gradually
Test each feature before moving to the next
Take notes on what works for your workflow
Refer back to earlier concepts as you learn advanced topics
Experiment safely using checkpoints
Share knowledge with your team

❌ Don't

Skip the prerequisites check when jumping to a higher level
Try to learn everything at once - it's overwhelming
Copy configurations without understanding them - you won't know how to debug
Forget to test - always verify features work
Rush through milestones - take time to understand
Ignore the documentation - each README has valuable details
Work in isolation - discuss with teammates

🎓 Learning Styles

Visual Learners

Study the mermaid diagrams in each README
Watch the command execution flow
Draw your own workflow diagrams
Use the visual learning path above

Hands-on Learners

Complete every hands-on exercise
Experiment with variations
Break things and fix them (use checkpoints!)
Create your own examples

Reading Learners

Read each README thoroughly
Study the code examples
Review the comparison tables
Read the blog posts linked in resources

Set up pair programming sessions
Teach concepts to teammates
Join Claude Code community discussions
Share your custom configurations

📈 Progress Tracking

Use these checklists to track your progress by level. Run /self-assessment anytime to get an updated skill profile, or /lesson-quiz [lesson] after each tutorial to verify your understanding.

🟢 Level 1: Beginner

🔵 Level 2: Intermediate

🔴 Level 3: Advanced

🆘 Common Learning Challenges

Challenge 1: "Too many concepts at once"

Solution: Focus on one milestone at a time. Complete all exercises before moving forward.

Challenge 2: "Don't know which feature to use when"

Solution: Refer to the Use Case Matrix in the main README.

Challenge 3: "Configuration not working"

Solution: Check the Troubleshooting section and verify file locations.

Challenge 4: "Concepts seem to overlap"

Solution: Review the Feature Comparison table to understand differences.

Challenge 5: "Hard to remember everything"

Solution: Create your own cheat sheet. Use checkpoints to experiment safely.

Challenge 6: "I'm experienced but not sure where to start"

Solution: Take the Self-Assessment Quiz above. Skip to your level and use the prerequisites check to identify any gaps.

🎯 What's Next After Completion?

Once you've completed all milestones:

Create team documentation - Document your team's Claude Code setup
Build custom plugins - Package your team's workflows
Explore Remote Control - Control Claude Code sessions programmatically from external tools
Try Web Sessions - Use Claude Code through browser-based interfaces for remote development
Use the Desktop App - Access Claude Code features through the native desktop application
Use Auto Mode - Let Claude work autonomously with a background safety classifier
Leverage Auto Memory - Let Claude learn your preferences automatically over time
Set up Agent Teams - Coordinate multiple agents on complex, multi-faceted tasks
Use Channels - Organize work across structured multi-session workflows
Try Voice Dictation - Use hands-free voice input for interaction with Claude Code
Use Scheduled Tasks - Automate recurring checks with /loop and cron tools
Contribute examples - Share with the community
Mentor others - Help teammates learn
Optimize workflows - Continuously improve based on usage
Stay updated - Follow Claude Code releases and new features

📚 Additional Resources

Official Documentation

Blog Posts

Discovering Claude Code Slash Commands

Community

💬 Feedback & Support

Found an issue? Create an issue in the repository
Have a suggestion? Submit a pull request
Need help? Check the documentation or ask the community

Last Updated: March 2026 Maintained by: Claude How-To Contributors License: Educational purposes, free to use and adapt

← Back to Main README

1.1 编程已死，编程永生：从 Coder 到 Commander

1.2 破除迷信：不懂英文、数学不好也能写代码吗？

1.3 工具初探：AI 编程工具选型指南

1.4 Vibe vs Spec：AI 编程的两种方式

1.5 Hello World：你的第一个 3 分钟 AI 网页

2.1 思维升级：从"我想做一个App"到"我要解决一个问题"

2.2 逆向思维：先想清楚什么会让项目失败

2.3 减法思维：MVP不是「最小功能」，而是「最小可验证价值」

2.4 故事思维：把用户当作故事的主角

2.5 灵魂三问：开发前必须回答的问题

2.6 场景应用：这些思维工具不只是用来「做产品」的

2.7 问题发现：如何找到值得解决的问题

2.8 本章总结：产品经理的思维工具箱

附录：心法篇补充材料

3.1 提示词工程基础：Context is King

3.2 结构化提示词框架

3.3 进阶提示技巧

3.4 编写你的第一份 PRD

3.5 迭代对话的艺术

3.6 当 AI 不听话时

3.7 本章总结与实战演练

附录：常用 Prompt 模板库

4.1 开始之前：整合你的准备工作

4.2 第一轮：搭建页面框架

4.3 第二轮：实现核心功能

4.4 第三轮：让数据活起来

4.5 Debug 实战：当 AI 代码报错时

4.6 收尾与回顾

5.1 后悔药：代码改崩了怎么办

5.2 见世面：把网页发到互联网上

5.3 护城河：AI 时代的安全意识

5.4 再进化：项目的持续迭代与优化

5.5 知边界：Vibe Coding 的能与不能

5.6 启程前：本章总结与进阶预告

templates

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references

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agents

commands

agents

commands

templates

agents

commands

📚 Claude Code Learning Roadmap ​

🧭 Find Your Level ​

🎯 Learning Philosophy ​

🗺️ Your Learning Path ​

📊 Complete Roadmap Table ​

🟢 Level 1: Beginner — Getting Started ​

Milestone 1A: First Commands & Memory ​

What You'll Achieve ​

Hands-on Exercises ​

Success Criteria ​

Next Steps ​

Milestone 1B: Safe Exploration ​

What You'll Achieve ​

Hands-on Exercises ​

Success Criteria ​

Next Steps ​

🔵 Level 2: Intermediate — Building Workflows ​

Prerequisites Check ​

Milestone 2A: Automation (Skills + Hooks) ​

What You'll Achieve ​

Hands-on Exercises ​

Success Criteria ​

Next Steps ​

Milestone 2B: Integration (MCP + Subagents) ​

What You'll Achieve ​

Hands-on Exercises ​

Integration Exercise ​

Success Criteria ​

Next Steps ​

🔴 Level 3: Advanced — Power User & Team Lead ​

Prerequisites Check ​

Milestone 3A: Advanced Features ​

What You'll Achieve ​

Hands-on Exercises ​

Success Criteria ​

📚 Claude Code Learning Roadmap

🧭 Find Your Level

🎯 Learning Philosophy

🗺️ Your Learning Path

📊 Complete Roadmap Table

🟢 Level 1: Beginner — Getting Started

Milestone 1A: First Commands & Memory

What You'll Achieve

Hands-on Exercises

Success Criteria

Next Steps

Milestone 1B: Safe Exploration

What You'll Achieve

Hands-on Exercises

Success Criteria

Next Steps

🔵 Level 2: Intermediate — Building Workflows

Prerequisites Check

Milestone 2A: Automation (Skills + Hooks)

What You'll Achieve

Hands-on Exercises

Success Criteria

Next Steps

Milestone 2B: Integration (MCP + Subagents)

What You'll Achieve

Hands-on Exercises

Integration Exercise

Success Criteria

Next Steps

🔴 Level 3: Advanced — Power User & Team Lead

Prerequisites Check

Milestone 3A: Advanced Features

What You'll Achieve

Hands-on Exercises

Success Criteria

Next Steps

Milestone 3B: Team & Distribution (Plugins + CLI Mastery)