ggprompts/my-plugins/prompt-craft

Prompt Craft - Claude 4 Best Practices

Craft effective prompts for Claude workers using proven patterns.

Core Principles

1. Be Explicit

Claude 4.x follows instructions precisely. Use action verbs.

2. Add Context/Motivation

Explain WHY, not just WHAT. Claude generalizes from explanations.

3. Natural Skill Triggers

Use natural language, avoid aggressive markers.

4. Positive Framing

Tell Claude what TO do, not just what to avoid.

Prompt Structure

## Context
[1-2 sentences: Why this work matters, what problem it solves]
 
## Task
[Clear, explicit action instruction using action verbs]
 
## Approach
[Optional: Skill hints, patterns to follow, key considerations]
Use the [skill] skill for [specific purpose].
 
## Key Files
[3-5 most relevant files to start with]
-path/to/main/file.ts
-path/to/related/file.ts
 
## When Done
[How to complete: close issue, what to include in summary]
Close issue: bd close ISSUE-ID --reason "summary"

Skill Matching

Match skills based on content:

Subagent Hints

Claude 4.5 naturally delegates. Add hints when beneficial:

Use subagents in parallel to scaffold Dashboard, Settings, and Profile pages.

Use an Explore agent to find the relevant authentication files first.

Parallelization Hints

For tasks with independent subtasks:

These components can be developed in parallel:
-HeaderComponent
-FooterComponent
-SidebarComponent

Complexity Guidelines

Rule: If you need more than 20 lines, the issue might need breaking down.

Anti-Patterns

Avoid these common mistakes:

1. Overloading: Too many skills, too many files, too much context
2. Vague tasks: "Make it better" without specific criteria
3. All caps: CRITICAL, IMPORTANT, MUST - creates anxiety, not clarity
4. Negative framing: Lists of don'ts without corresponding dos
5. No completion criteria: Worker doesn't know when they're done

References

• Claude 4 Best Practices
• Prompt Engineering Guide