Module 6: Claude Code Configuration and Workflows

Lesson 1: Claude Code Architecture Overview

Claude Code is not a "Copilot." It is an Agentic Developer. While a copilot suggests a line of code, Claude Code takes a goal (e.g., "Implement the login flow"), plans the changes across multiple files, executes terminal commands to install dependencies, and verifies the result with tests.

In this lesson, we deconstruct the architecture that allows Claude Code to operate safely and effectively inside your private repositories.

---

1. The Local-Cloud Hybrid

Claude Code operates as a Local Agent with Cloud Intelligence.

• The Brain (Cloud): The Claude 3.5 Sonnet model (residing on Anthropic's servers).
• The Hands (Local): The claude CLI running on your machine.
• The Bridge: A specialized set of MCP-like tools that give the model controlled access to your files, terminal, and browser.

---

2. The Internal Toolset (The "Superpowers")

Claude Code comes pre-installed with a set of "Core Tools" that define its architecture:

• Filesystem Tools: read_file, write_file, ls.
• Terminal Tools: run_command (The most powerful and dangerous tool).
• Search Tools: grep_search.
• Browser Tools: For testing web applications.

The Architect's Perspective:

Because Claude Code can run any terminal command, it has a "High Trust" architecture. This is why Guardrails (Module 10) are built directly into the CLI.

---

3. The Execution Cycle

Claude Code follows a "Double Loop" architecture:

1. The Reasoning Loop: Claude plans and executes tools.
2. The Verification Loop: Claude runs tests and checks for linting errors.

If "Reasoning" produces a bug, "Verification" catches it, and the cycle repeats until the goal is met.

---

4. Visualizing Claude Code

graph TD
    User([User Prompt]) --> CLI[Claude CLI - Local]
    CLI <-->|Encrypted Traffic| Model[Claude 3.5 Sonnet - Cloud]
    CLI <-->|IO| Files[Repo Filesystem]
    CLI <-->|Execute| Term[Subshell / Terminal]
    CLI <-->|Render| Web[Cypress / Playwright]

---

5. Summary

Claude Code is a high-agency agent that uses a local CLI to bridge cloud-based intelligence with your physical development environment. It uses a Reasoning-Verification double loop to ensure that delegated engineering tasks are not just "Written," but "Working."

In the next lesson, we look at how to control this power: Configuration Hierarchy.

---

Interactive Quiz

1. How does Claude Code differ from a traditional "Copilot"?
2. What are the four main categories of tools used by Claude Code?
3. Explain the "Double Loop" of Reasoning and Verification.
4. Why is Claude Code considered a "High Trust" architecture?

---

Reference Video: