SuperClaude/Docs/Getting-Started/quick-start.md

SuperClaude Quick Start Guide

Context Framework Guide: SuperClaude enhances Claude Code through behavioral context injection, NOT CLI commands. /sc: patterns are conversation triggers that activate installed behavioral instructions.

How SuperClaude Really Works

SuperClaude is a Context Engineering Framework that enhances Claude Code by installing behavioral .md files that Claude reads during conversations. When you type /sc:brainstorm, you're not running a command - you're triggering context patterns that guide Claude's responses.

5-Minute Start: Install context framework → Try /sc:brainstorm in Claude conversation → Experience enhanced behaviors.

Just Start Here

🖥️ Installation - Run in Terminal

# Recommended for Linux/macOS
pipx install SuperClaude && SuperClaude install

# Traditional method
pip install SuperClaude && SuperClaude install

# Cross-platform via NPM
npm install -g @bifrost_inc/superclaude && superclaude install

💬 First Context Triggers - Type in Claude Code Conversation

# Interactive project discovery
/sc:brainstorm "web app for task management"

# Analyze existing code  
/sc:analyze src/

# Generate implementation plan
/sc:workflow "add user authentication"

# Invoke specialist persona
@agent-security "review authentication implementation"

What Happens with Context Framework:

• Claude reads behavioral instructions from installed .md files
• Specialist personas activate based on trigger patterns (security, frontend, backend)
• MCP servers provide enhanced tool capabilities when configured
• Behavioral modes guide conversation structure and depth
• Session memory maintains context across interactions

Key Understanding: These are conversation patterns with Claude Code, not executable commands. The framework provides Claude with behavioral context to respond more expertly.

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What is SuperClaude Really?

Framework Philosophy

SuperClaude is NOT standalone software - it's a Context Oriented Configuration Framework for Claude Code. Think of it as a sophisticated prompt engineering system that configures Claude Code's behavior through structured context files. Everything runs through Claude Code - SuperClaude provides the behavioral context, commands, and coordination.

Core Components

SuperClaude enhances Claude Code with:

21 Slash Commands for workflow automation (/sc:brainstorm, /sc:implement, /sc:analyze) 14 AI Specialists with domain expertise (@agent-architect, @agent-security, @agent-frontend) 5 Behavioral Modes for different contexts (brainstorming, introspection, orchestration) 6 MCP Servers for enhanced capabilities (Context7, Sequential, Magic, Playwright)

Important: The .md files in SuperClaude/ directory are NOT documentation - they are the actual context framework instructions that Claude Code reads to enhance its capabilities.

Version 4.0 delivers workflow orchestration capabilities with intelligent agent coordination and session persistence.

How It Works

Context Framework Architecture: SuperClaude installs behavioral context files that Claude Code reads during conversations. When you type trigger patterns like /sc:implement, Claude accesses the corresponding behavioral instructions and responds accordingly.

User Experience Flow: You type /sc:implement "user login" → Claude reads context from implement.md → activates security specialist behavioral patterns → uses configured MCP servers → generates implementation following framework guidelines.

Technical Architecture:

1. Context Loading (Claude Code imports behavioral .md files via CLAUDE.md)
2. Pattern Recognition (Recognizes /sc: and @agent- trigger patterns)
3. Behavioral Activation (Applies corresponding behavioral instructions from context files)
4. MCP Integration (Uses configured external tools when available)
5. Response Enhancement (Follows framework patterns for comprehensive responses)

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First Steps Workflow

First Context Session Pattern:

# 1. Project Discovery (context trigger)
/sc:brainstorm "e-commerce mobile app"

# 2. Load Context (existing projects)
/sc:load src/

# 3. Analyze Current State
/sc:analyze --focus architecture

# 4. Plan Implementation
/sc:workflow "add payment integration"

# 5. Implement Features
/sc:implement "Stripe payment flow"

# 6. Validate Quality
/sc:test --coverage

# 7. Save Session
/sc:save "payment-integration-complete"

Domain-Specific Workflows:

• Frontend: Magic MCP activates for UI components
• Backend: Security specialist ensures proper validation
• DevOps: Infrastructure specialist handles deployment
• Testing: QA specialist creates comprehensive test suites

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Key Takeaways

SuperClaude's Core Value

SuperClaude transforms Claude Code from a general-purpose AI assistant into a specialized development framework with:

• Systematic Workflows instead of ad-hoc requests
• Domain Expertise through specialized agents
• Tool Coordination with MCP server integration
• Session Persistence for long-term project continuity
• Quality Assurance through built-in validation gates

The Power is in the Coordination

Intelligent Coordination Benefits:

• Auto-activation: Right tools for the right tasks
• Multi-agent Workflows: Frontend + Backend + Security working together
• Context Preservation: No losing track of complex projects
• Parallel Processing: Multiple operations running simultaneously
• Progressive Enhancement: Simple tasks stay simple, complex tasks get expert attention

Start Simple, Scale Intelligently

Learning Path:

Week 1: Master core commands (/sc:brainstorm, /sc:analyze, /sc:implement) Week 2: Explore behavioral modes and flag combinations Week 3: Configure MCP servers for enhanced capabilities Week 4: Create custom workflows and session management patterns

Usage Recommendations:

• Start with simple commands and let complexity emerge naturally
• Use /sc:index to discover relevant commands for your context
• Enable MCP servers gradually as you understand their benefits
• Save successful patterns with /sc:save for reuse

When to Use SuperClaude

Use SuperClaude When:

• Building software projects (any language/framework)
• Need systematic workflows and quality gates
• Working on complex, multi-component systems
• Require session persistence across development cycles
• Want specialized domain expertise (invoke with @agent-[specialist] or auto-activation)

Use Standard Claude Code When:

• Simple questions or explanations
• One-off coding tasks
• Learning programming concepts
• Quick prototypes or experiments

Key Distinction: SuperClaude doesn't replace Claude Code - it configures and enhances it through context. All execution happens within Claude Code itself.

SuperClaude Excellence: Multi-step development workflows with quality requirements

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Next Steps

Learning Progression:

🌱 Beginner (First Week)

• Installation Guide - Get set up
• Commands Reference - Learn core commands
• Examples Cookbook - Try practical examples

🌿 Intermediate (Growing Skills)

• Behavioral Modes - Optimize for context
• Agents Guide - Understand specialists
• Session Management - Long-term projects

🌲 Advanced (Expert Usage)

• MCP Servers - Enhanced capabilities
• Commands Reference - All commands and workflows
• Technical Architecture - Deep understanding

🚑 Support

• Troubleshooting - Problem solving
• Contributing - Join development