Use Anthropic Command Development safely

This guide complements Anthropic’s official Command Development source. It describes a controlled development process and does not replace checking your Claude Code version, team policies, or security requirements.

Define the task and inputs

Start by stating the one task the command should support reliably. Define expected arguments, reasonable defaults, and situations where clarification is required. A command should not report a review as complete when files, tests, or external data were not actually available.

Design the command file

Place project files in .claude/commands/ or plugin commands in the designated commands directory. Write the Markdown body as a direct working instruction for Claude. Use frontmatter only for fields that are needed, such as the description, argument hint, model, or tool boundaries. For file references and dynamic context queries, make the project path and expected data source explicit.

Validate arguments and context

Test both the complete argument string and positional arguments. Check empty values, whitespace, unexpected file names, and missing files. Shell context should use only a tightly limited tool allowance. Let consequential changes begin as a proposal or inspection report, and require explicit confirmation before changing external state.

FAQ

What is Command Development? It is an official Anthropic skill with guidance for Markdown slash commands, frontmatter, arguments, file references, dynamic context, and organization in Claude Code.

Does a command automatically make a workflow safe? No. Safety depends on its content, tools, permissions, input data, and human approval.

Should a command receive every tool? No. Restrict tools to the minimum necessary and review Bash and write access especially carefully.

Does a local command file mean local model processing? No. The file location does not determine where the selected model processes its context.