Glossary
A compact map of the terms that show up across the Claude Code hub
Quick definitions for the concepts that matter most across planning, sessions, memory, tools, MCP, and delegated work.
Core terms
Agent loop: the repeated cycle of model output, tool use, and follow-up reasoning inside one user turn.
Plan mode: a workflow state used to align on approach before implementation.
Compaction: the process of shrinking active conversation state so long sessions remain usable.
MCP: the extensibility protocol that lets Claude Code connect to external servers and resources.
CLAUDE.md: project-scoped instructions for how to work in a repository.
MEMORY.md: the index file for Claude Code’s persistent file-based memory system.
Learn next
These guides are adjacent to the current topic and make the learning path easier to follow.
Commands Reference
The command families that shape the Claude Code user experience
A practical index of the command groups exposed by Claude Code and what each one is for.
Agents and Plan Mode
How Claude Code separates planning, coordination, and delegated execution
Understand the difference between the main thread, plan mode, coordinator behavior, and constrained sub-agents.
Claude Code vs Cursor
A systems-level comparison of two different AI coding product shapes
Compare Claude Code and Cursor through workflow boundaries, tool models, session behavior, and integration philosophy rather than vague feature checklists.
Related resources
These directory entries connect the concept guide to concrete tools, docs, and integrations.
Claude Code Getting Started Guide
Official getting started documentation for Claude Code
Comprehensive getting started guide for Claude Code. Covers installation, configuration, basic commands, MCP setup, and best practices for new users. The essential first read for anyone starting with Claude Code.
MCP Protocol Documentation
Complete Model Context Protocol specification
Official documentation for the Model Context Protocol (MCP). Covers the protocol specification, server implementation, tool definitions, and integration patterns. Essential reading for MCP server developers.
Memory MCP Server
Persistent memory and knowledge graph for Claude conversations
Official MCP server providing persistent memory capabilities. Store and retrieve information across conversations using a knowledge graph structure. Enables Claude to remember context, facts, and relationships between sessions.
VS Code Claude Extension
Integrate Claude Code directly into VS Code
Official VS Code extension bringing Claude Code capabilities into your editor. Features include inline assistance, file context awareness, and seamless integration with VS Code's interface. Perfect for developers who prefer IDE workflows.