Slash Commands
A slash command is a custom shortcut you invoke in Claude Code by typing /<name>. Commands are the most direct way to package a prompt or workflow for repeat use.
Skills vs. commands
For new work, prefer skills over commands:
- Skills can be discovered automatically by Claude based on context and trigger keywords.
- Skills support richer metadata (
allowed-tools,argument-hint, supporting files). - Skills compose better with the plugin model.
Slash commands are kept here for legacy compatibility and for cases where a strictly invocation-driven workflow is preferred (the user always types the slash command; Claude shouldn't auto-suggest it).
When to reach for a command
- The workflow is one-shot and well-defined: "format this file," "open the deployment checklist."
- You don't want Claude to invoke it automatically — only on explicit user trigger.
- You're porting an existing prompt that doesn't need the auto-discovery a skill provides.
For methodology-driven work where Claude should follow a pattern repeatedly throughout a conversation, write a skill instead.