Core command basics
Read help and session status, start a fresh conversation, and exit or detach from Claude Code.
Key takeaways
- Use /help or the / menu to discover commands actually available in this session.
- /clear starts a fresh conversation; /compact summarizes the conversation you are continuing.
- /exit detaches from an attached background session without stopping its work.
Core commands
| Command | Role | Next step |
|---|---|---|
/help | Show help and available commands | Inspect /status |
/status | Open the Settings Status tab for version, model, account, and connectivity | Check /model or /permissions |
/clear [name] | Start a fresh conversation; aliases /reset and /new | Use /resume to return to the earlier conversation |
/exit | Exit, or detach from an attached background session; alias /quit | Inspect background work through claude agents |
Usage conditions
The official table does not state a minimum version for these basic commands. Type a command at the start of the message. The installed / menu is the availability check.
A short session check
/help
/statusAfter inspecting the session, choose whether to continue, compact, or start fresh. Do not clear a conversation merely to inspect its settings.
Status display
In v2.1.278, an Auto mode server row shows whether the classifier runs on the server. Confirm actual session state as well as configured settings.