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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This document answers common questions about Claude Code Workflow (CCW).
📋 Table of Contents
- General Questions
- Installation & Setup
- Usage & Workflows
- Commands & Syntax
- Sessions & Tasks
- Agents & Tools
- Memory System
- Troubleshooting
- Advanced Topics
🌟 General Questions
What is Claude Code Workflow (CCW)?
CCW is an advanced AI-powered development automation framework for Claude Code. It transforms AI development from simple prompt chaining into a robust, context-first orchestration system with structured planning, deterministic execution, and intelligent multi-model orchestration.
How is CCW different from using Claude Code directly?
| Claude Code (Vanilla) | Claude Code with CCW |
|---|---|
| Manual task management | Automated workflow orchestration |
| No context preservation | Hierarchical memory system (CLAUDE.md) |
| Single conversation context | Session-based project isolation |
| Manual planning | Automated multi-phase planning |
| One model/approach | Multi-model strategy (Gemini, Qwen, Codex) |
| No quality gates | Built-in verification and review |
Do I need external CLI tools (Gemini, Qwen, Codex)?
No, they're optional. CCW can work with Claude Code alone. External CLI tools enhance CCW's capabilities by:
- Providing specialized analysis (Gemini)
- Enabling autonomous development (Codex)
- Supporting architectural planning (Qwen)
But all core workflows function without them.
Is CCW suitable for beginners?
Yes! CCW provides:
- Simple commands like
/workflow:planand/workflow:execute - Interactive command guide (
CCW-help) - Comprehensive documentation
- Built-in examples and tutorials
Start with the 5-minute Quick Start to get a feel for it.
What languages/frameworks does CCW support?
CCW is language-agnostic. It works with any programming language or framework that Claude Code supports:
- JavaScript/TypeScript (Node.js, React, Vue, etc.)
- Python (Django, Flask, FastAPI, etc.)
- Java/Kotlin (Spring Boot, etc.)
- Go, Rust, C++, C#, Ruby, PHP, etc.
Is CCW free?
Yes! CCW is open-source under the MIT License. However, you need:
- Claude Code subscription (for the base platform)
- Optional: API keys for external CLI tools (Gemini, Qwen, Codex)
🔧 Installation & Setup
How do I install CCW?
NPM Global Install (Recommended):
npm install -g claude-code-workflow
Verify Installation:
ccw --version
ccw dashboard # Start Dashboard
ccw view # Start View interface
See INSTALL.md for detailed instructions.
How do I verify CCW is installed correctly?
Open Claude Code and run:
/workflow:session:list
If the command is recognized, installation succeeded.
Where are CCW files installed?
CCW installs to your home directory:
~/.claude/
├── agents/ # Agent definitions
├── commands/ # Slash commands
├── skills/ # Agent skills
└── workflows/ # Workflow documentation
Can I customize CCW after installation?
Yes! All files in ~/.claude/ can be customized:
- Modify agent prompts in
agents/ - Add custom commands in
commands/ - Adjust workflow templates in
workflows/
How do I update CCW to the latest version?
Update via npm:
npm update -g claude-code-workflow
Note: Custom modifications in ~/.claude/ will be preserved. The npm package only updates core CCW files.
Do I need to install CLI tools?
Optional. To use CLI tools:
- Gemini CLI: Follow setup instructions
- Qwen CLI: Follow setup instructions
- Codex CLI: Follow setup instructions
Then initialize with:
/cli:cli-init
🚀 Usage & Workflows
What's the simplest way to use CCW?
Two-command workflow:
/workflow:plan "Your feature description"
/workflow:execute
That's it! CCW handles planning, task generation, and implementation.
What's the difference between /workflow:plan and /workflow:lite-plan?
/workflow:plan |
/workflow:lite-plan |
|---|---|
| Full 5-phase planning | Lightweight interactive planning |
| Creates persistent artifacts | In-memory planning |
| Best for complex projects | Best for quick tasks |
| Includes verification phase | Streamlined flow |
| Suitable for team collaboration | Suitable for solo development |
Use /workflow:plan for: Complex features, team projects, when you need detailed documentation
Use /workflow:lite-plan for: Quick fixes, small features, rapid prototyping
When should I use brainstorming workflows?
Use /workflow:brainstorm:auto-parallel when you know WHAT to build, but NOT HOW to build it.
Brainstorming scenarios:
- 🤔 Unclear solution approach - Multiple ways to solve the problem, need expert analysis
- 🏗️ Architectural exploration - Need to explore different architectural patterns
- 📋 Requirements clarification - High-level goal is clear, but technical details are not
- 🔀 Multiple trade-offs - Need to analyze pros/cons of different approaches
- 🆕 Unfamiliar domain - Building something new without clear implementation path
Skip brainstorming, use /workflow:plan directly when:
- ✅ Clear implementation approach - You already know how to build it
- ✅ Similar to existing code - Following established patterns in your codebase
- ✅ Well-defined requirements - Technical specs are clear from the start
- ✅ Simple features - Straightforward implementation, no architectural decisions
Workflow comparison:
| Know what + Know how | Know what, NOT how |
|---|---|
/workflow:plan "Add JWT auth" |
/workflow:brainstorm:auto-parallel "Design auth system" → /workflow:plan |
| Plan generates tasks directly | Brainstorm explores solutions → Plan generates tasks |
Example:
# When you DON'T know how to build it
/workflow:brainstorm:auto-parallel "Build real-time collaborative document editing system"
/workflow:plan
/workflow:execute
How do I check the status of my workflow?
/workflow:status
Shows:
- Current session
- Task completion status
- Currently executing task
- Next steps
Can I run multiple workflows simultaneously?
Yes! CCW supports parallel sessions:
# Session 1: Authentication
/workflow:session:start "User Authentication"
/workflow:plan "JWT-based authentication"
# Session 2: Payment
/workflow:session:start "Payment Integration"
/workflow:plan "Stripe payment integration"
# Execute each session independently
/workflow:execute --session WFS-user-authentication
/workflow:execute --session WFS-payment-integration
How do I resume a paused workflow?
/workflow:session:resume
Automatically detects and resumes the most recent paused session.
💬 Commands & Syntax
Where can I find all available commands?
See COMMAND_REFERENCE.md for a complete list.
Or use the interactive guide:
CCW-help
What's the difference between /cli:* and /workflow:* commands?
/cli:* commands:
- CLI tool configuration
- Example:
/cli:cli-init(initialize Gemini/Qwen configurations)
/workflow:* commands:
- Multi-phase orchestration
- Session-based
- Complex development workflows
- Examples:
/workflow:plan,/workflow:lite-plan,/workflow:lite-fix
Note
: Most CLI commands have been replaced by semantic invocation. Simply describe your needs in natural language, and Claude will automatically use the appropriate tools.
How do I use command flags?
Most commands support flags for customization:
# Basic usage
/workflow:plan "Feature description"
# With CLI execution flag
/workflow:plan --cli-execute "Feature description"
# With multiple flags
/workflow:ui-design:explore-auto --prompt "Login page" --style-variants 3 --layout-variants 2
Can I use natural language instead of commands?
Yes! Claude understands semantic invocation:
Instead of using specific commands, you can say:
"Use Gemini to analyze the authentication module architecture"
Claude will automatically select and execute the appropriate CLI tools (Gemini/Qwen/Codex) with optimized templates.
What does the -e or --enhance flag do?
The -e flag triggers the prompt-enhancer skill in natural conversation:
User: "Analyze authentication module -e"
Claude will expand and enhance your request for better results.
📦 Sessions & Tasks
What is a workflow session?
A workflow session is an isolated workspace for a specific feature or project. It contains:
- Task definitions (JSON files)
- Brainstorming artifacts
- Generated plans
- Chat logs
- Session state
Location: .workflow/active/WFS-<session-name>/
How are sessions created?
Sessions are created automatically when you run:
/workflow:session:start "Feature name"
/workflow:plan "Feature description"
/workflow:brainstorm:auto-parallel "Topic"
How do I list all sessions?
/workflow:session:list
Shows all sessions with their status (active, paused, completed).
What happens when I complete a session?
/workflow:session:complete
CCW will:
- Archive session to
.workflow/archives/ - Remove active flag
- Generate lessons learned
- Update session manifest
What are tasks in CCW?
Tasks are atomic units of work stored as JSON files in .task/ directory:
.workflow/active/WFS-feature/.task/
├── IMPL-1.json # Main task
├── IMPL-1.1.json # Subtask
└── IMPL-2.json # Another task
Each task contains:
- Title and description
- Requirements and acceptance criteria
- Context and focus paths
- Implementation approach
- Status (pending, in_progress, completed)
How deep can task hierarchies go?
Maximum 2 levels:
IMPL-1- Main taskIMPL-1.1,IMPL-1.2- Subtasks- No further nesting (no
IMPL-1.1.1)
Can I manually edit task JSON files?
Yes, but:
- ⚠️ JSON files are the source of truth
- ⚠️ Markdown documents are read-only views
- ✅ Edit JSON directly for fine-grained control
- ✅ Validate JSON syntax after editing
- ✅ Use
/workflow:statusto regenerate views
🤖 Agents & Tools
What agents are available in CCW?
| Agent | Purpose |
|---|---|
@code-developer |
Code implementation |
@test-fix-agent |
Test generation and fixing |
@ui-design-agent |
UI design and prototyping |
@action-planning-agent |
Task planning and decomposition |
@cli-execution-agent |
Autonomous CLI task handling |
@cli-explore-agent |
Codebase exploration |
@context-search-agent |
Context gathering |
@doc-generator |
Documentation generation |
@memory-bridge |
Memory system updates |
See ARCHITECTURE.md for details.
How do agents get selected for tasks?
Automatic selection based on task type defined in JSON:
{
"meta": {
"agent": "code-developer"
}
}
CCW automatically invokes the appropriate agent during /workflow:execute.
What's the difference between Gemini, Qwen, and Codex?
| Tool | Strengths | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Gemini | Deep analysis, pattern recognition | Code exploration, architecture analysis |
| Qwen | System design, planning | Architectural planning, system design |
| Codex | Autonomous implementation | Feature development, bug fixes |
CCW auto-selects the best tool for each task, but you can override with --tool flag.
Can I create custom agents?
Yes! Create a new file in .claude/agents/:
# My Custom Agent
## Role
Agent description
## Tools Available
- Tool 1
- Tool 2
## Prompt
Agent instructions...
Then reference it in task JSON:
{
"meta": {
"agent": "my-custom-agent"
}
}
💾 Memory System
What is the CLAUDE.md memory system?
A hierarchical documentation system that maintains project knowledge across 4 layers:
CLAUDE.md (Project root)
└── src/CLAUDE.md (Source layer)
└── auth/CLAUDE.md (Module layer)
└── jwt/CLAUDE.md (Component layer)
Each layer provides context at the appropriate abstraction level.
When should I update memory?
Update memory when:
- After completing a feature
- After refactoring modules
- After changing architecture
- Before starting complex tasks
- Weekly maintenance
What's the difference between memory update commands?
| Command | Scope | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
/memory:update-full |
Entire project | Major changes, first-time setup, monthly maintenance |
/memory:update-related |
Changed modules only | Daily development, after feature completion |
/memory:load |
Task-specific, no files | Quick context for immediate task |
How long does memory update take?
/memory:update-full: 5-20 minutes (depends on project size)/memory:update-related: 1-5 minutes (only changed modules)/memory:load: <1 minute (no file updates)
Do I need to update memory manually?
Recommended but not required. Benefits of regular updates:
- ✅ Higher quality AI outputs
- ✅ Accurate pattern recognition
- ✅ Better context understanding
- ✅ Reduced hallucinations
Without updates:
- ⚠️ AI may reference outdated code
- ⚠️ Incorrect architectural assumptions
- ⚠️ Lower output quality
Can I exclude files from memory?
Yes! Use ignore files:
.geminiignore- For Gemini CLI.qwenignore- For Qwen CLI.gitignore- Automatically respected
Example .geminiignore:
node_modules/
dist/
*.log
*.test.js
🔧 Troubleshooting
"No active session found" error
Cause: No workflow session is currently active.
Solution:
# Option 1: Start new session
/workflow:session:start "Feature name"
# Option 2: Resume existing session
/workflow:session:resume
Command execution fails or hangs
Troubleshooting steps:
-
Check status:
/workflow:status -
Review logs:
# Session logs location .workflow/active/WFS-<session>/.chat/ -
Simplify task: Break complex requests into smaller tasks
-
Check CLI tools: Ensure external tools (if used) are properly configured
Task execution produces errors
Common causes:
- Outdated memory: Run
/memory:update-related - Insufficient context: Add more details to task requirements
- Tool misconfiguration: Check CLI tool setup with
/cli:cli-init
Memory update fails
Solutions:
- Check file permissions: Ensure write access to project
- Try different tool:
/memory:update-full --tool qwen - Update incrementally:
/memory:update-related
Workflow gets stuck in a phase
Steps:
-
Check current phase:
/workflow:status -
Review session JSON:
cat .workflow/active/WFS-<session>/workflow-session.json -
Manually advance (if needed): Edit session JSON to update phase
-
Restart session:
/workflow:session:complete /workflow:session:start "New attempt"
CLI tools not working
Checklist:
- ✅ Tools installed correctly?
- ✅ API keys configured?
- ✅
.gemini/or.qwen/directories exist? - ✅ Configuration files valid?
Re-initialize:
/cli:cli-init --tool gemini
Performance is slow
Optimization tips:
-
Use incremental updates:
/memory:update-related # Instead of update-full -
Exclude unnecessary files: Add to
.geminiignoreor.qwenignore -
Break down large tasks: Smaller tasks = faster execution
-
Use lite workflows:
/workflow:lite-plan # Instead of full workflow:plan
🚀 Advanced Topics
How does CCW handle dependencies between tasks?
Tasks can reference dependencies in their JSON:
{
"id": "IMPL-2",
"dependencies": ["IMPL-1"],
"context": {
"inherited_from": "IMPL-1"
}
}
CCW ensures dependencies are completed before dependent tasks execute.
Can I integrate CCW with CI/CD pipelines?
Yes! CCW can be used in automated workflows:
-
Generate tests:
/workflow:test-gen WFS-feature /workflow:execute -
Run verification:
/workflow:action-plan-verify -
Automated reviews:
/workflow:review --type security
How do I create custom workflows?
Combine existing commands:
# Custom TDD workflow
/workflow:tdd-plan "Feature"
/workflow:execute
/workflow:tdd-verify
/workflow:review --type quality
Or create custom command in .claude/commands/.
What's the JSON-first architecture?
Principle: JSON files are the single source of truth for all task state.
- ✅ JSON files contain actual state
- ❌ Markdown documents are read-only generated views
- ✅ Edit JSON to change state
- ❌ Never edit markdown documents
Benefits:
- No synchronization complexity
- Programmatic access
- Clear data model
- Deterministic state
How does context flow between agents?
Agents share context through:
- Session JSON: Shared session state
- Task JSON: Task-specific context
- CLAUDE.md: Project knowledge base
- Flow Control: Pre-analysis and implementation approach
Can I use CCW for non-code projects?
Yes! CCW can manage any structured project:
- Documentation writing
- Content creation
- Data analysis
- Research projects
- Process automation
How do I migrate from one CCW version to another?
- Backup customizations: Save
.claude/modifications - Run installation: Install new version
- Restore customizations: Reapply your changes
- Check changelog: Review breaking changes in CHANGELOG.md
- Test workflows: Verify existing workflows work
Where can I get more help?
- 📖 Documentation: README.md, GETTING_STARTED.md
- 💬 Discussions: GitHub Discussions
- 🐛 Issues: GitHub Issues
- 🤖 Command Guide:
CCW-helpwithin Claude Code - 📚 Examples: EXAMPLES.md
📚 Additional Resources
- Getting Started Guide - 5-minute tutorial
- Architecture Overview - System design
- Command Reference - All commands
- Contributing Guide - How to contribute
- Examples - Real-world use cases
- Changelog - Version history
Last Updated: 2025-11-20 Version: 5.8.1
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