Labels and command selection
Distinguish Claude Code terminal commands, slash commands, skills, availability labels, and argument notation.
Key takeaways
- Check the input surface, command type, availability, and example in that order.
- Official tables can include aliases and removed entries, so their row count is not a count of current commands.
Choose the input surface first
| Surface | Input | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Operating-system shell | claude with options or subcommands | Terminal CLI reference |
| Running CLI prompt | Commands beginning with / | Complete command list |
| User or project skills | Installed skill names and arguments | Custom commands and skills |
Read type and status separately
| Label | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Built-in | The program handles a defined operation. |
| Bundled skill | The model follows included instructions; output and tool use depend on the task. |
| Dynamic workflow | A coordinated flow of subtasks with its own availability conditions. |
| Alias | Another name for a command; prefer the primary name in new instructions. |
| Current reference | Listed in the official table on the review date, without guaranteeing universal access. |
| Conditional / Experimental | Check platform, model, account, and feature prerequisites. |
| Release-tracked | Evidence is tracked separately from the main command table. |
| Removed / Renamed / Not in current table | Follow the current replacement in the detail guide. |
Read arguments and versions
Replace <path> with a real value. [name] is optional, and a|b shows alternatives. Use the concrete examples instead of copying placeholder punctuation.
A documented minimum is shown only when official documentation explicitly states the command's minimum version. Release evidence identifies a version where behavior was observed or changed; it need not be the first introduction. “Not specified” does not mean every version is supported.
Current guidance and historical records
Use individual guides and the complete list for current behavior. Compare dated changes in release coverage history and command change history.