Claude Code Plan Mode: How I Use It on Real Multi-File Work

Short summary

A developer shares a practical workflow for using Claude Code's plan mode to safely handle multi-file changes. Plan mode forces Claude to propose an implementation approach and wait for approval before editing, which prevents costly bad patches on auth, migrations, and other high-blast-radius work. The author details when to use it (3+ files, auth, side effects) versus when to skip it, and how to evaluate and correct plans before execution.

• •Plan mode splits work into two steps: propose approach, then execute — preventing expensive bad patches
• •Use it for changes spanning 3+ files, auth, migrations, or anything with side effects; skip for trivial edits
• •A good plan names files, sequence, conventions, and verification path — vague plans are placeholders

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