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Best practices

Jahziah Wagner edited this page Aug 29, 2024 · 2 revisions

Best Practices for Claude.ai

Optimizing Sync Performance

  1. Use .claudeignore to exclude unnecessary files

    • Regularly review and update your .claudeignore file
    • Include common patterns for temporary files, logs, and build artifacts
  2. Sync frequently to reduce the amount of data transferred

    • Consider setting up automated sync schedules
    • Sync after significant changes to minimize large transfers
  3. Adjust upload_delay based on your network conditions

    • Experiment with different delay values to find the optimal setting
    • Lower values for faster networks, higher values for slower connections
  4. Leverage submodules for more efficient syncing

    • Break large projects into smaller, focused submodules
    • Sync submodules independently to speed up the process
    • Allows for more targeted context when interacting with Claude.ai
  5. Use selective syncing to focus on specific directories

    • Prioritize syncing the most relevant parts of your project
    • Helps maintain a cleaner, more focused context for Claude.ai

Security Considerations

  1. Never share your Claude.ai credentials

    • Use secure password managers to store credentials
    • Enable two-factor authentication if available
  2. Use .claudeignore to exclude sensitive files

    • Be thorough in specifying patterns for sensitive data
    • Regularly audit your .claudeignore file for completeness
  3. Regularly review synced files to ensure no sensitive data is accidentally uploaded

    • Implement a review process before major syncs
    • Use tools to scan for potential sensitive data in your codebase
  4. Do not include secrets, tokens, or API keys in synced content

    • Use environment variables or secure secret management solutions
    • Consider using placeholder values in synced code and documentation

Working with Large Projects

  1. Break large projects into smaller, manageable subprojects

    • Use a modular approach to project organization
    • Align subprojects with distinct features or components
  2. Increase max_file_size if necessary, but be cautious of performance impact

    • Monitor sync times and adjust accordingly
    • Consider splitting large files if possible
  3. Utilize the submodules feature for optimized context

    • Create submodules for specific domains or problem areas
    • Sync and interact with submodules individually for more focused Claude.ai responses
  4. Employ the uberproject feature for full context prompting when needed

    • Use sparingly to maintain optimal performance
    • Reserve for scenarios requiring comprehensive project understanding

Enhancing Claude.ai Interactions

  1. Practice effective prompt engineering

    • Be specific and clear in your queries
    • Provide relevant context to guide Claude.ai's responses
    • Experiment with different phrasings to optimize results
  2. Optimize context content for specific sub-problems or sub-domains

    • Curate the synced content to match your current focus
    • Use submodules to maintain separate contexts for different aspects of your project
  3. Iterate on responses and refine your approach

    • Use Claude.ai's outputs as a starting point for further exploration
    • Engage in back-and-forth conversations to drill down into complex topics
  4. Combine Claude.ai's capabilities with your domain expertise

    • Use Claude.ai as a collaborative tool to enhance your own knowledge and skills
    • Cross-reference Claude.ai's suggestions with authoritative sources in your field

By following these best practices, you can optimize your use of Claude.ai, improve sync performance, maintain security, and get the most out of your interactions with the AI assistant.