Lesson

Targeting the Proper Context with Claude Code

Master small-to-medium context by attaching the right files and selections quickly, then layering multi-file prompts without breaking flow.

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Targeting the proper context means giving Claude Code only what it needs. Use file and selection scope plus fast at-mentions to assemble precise prompts.

Choose the right scope

  • Whole file: Open the file and prompt—Claude reads it automatically.
  • Selection: Highlight a block; the prompt scopes to only those lines.
  • Multi-file: Build context by adding several files/selections to the same prompt.

Two fast targeting workflows

  1. At-mention with @
    Type @ in the Claude prompt to fuzzy-find any file/dir and insert it into your message.

  2. Editor-first + Insert At-Mentioned

  • Cmd/Ctrl+P to open a file quickly
  • Trigger Insert At-Mentioned to add that file/selection to the prompt
  • Repeat to build multi-file context

Tip: Bind Insert At-Mentioned to a convenient key (e.g., Option+T) for rapid multi-file assembling.

Try it

Prompts:

Summarize these two files and identify cross-cutting concerns.

Only update the selected function to remove duplication.