Frequently Asked Questions About Futurepedia Claude Code Build Framework
22 answers covering everything from basics to advanced usage.
// Basics
What is Plan Mode in Claude Code?
Plan Mode is a Claude Code mode that makes Claude map out the full implementation plan — tech stack, architecture, and logic — and ask clarifying questions before creating a single file. It's the last low-cost correction point before building begins. Always use it for initial project prompts and major new features so you catch misunderstandings early instead of rebuilding later.
What is claude.md and why does it matter?
claude.md is a permanent reference document auto-generated by the /init command that stores your project's rules, tech stack, architecture, and API references. Claude reads it automatically at the start of every new session, so a fresh session inherits full project context instead of re-deriving everything from scratch. Run /init at meaningful milestones and ask Claude to update it whenever something significant changes.
What are MCPs and Connectors in Claude Code?
MCPs (Connectors) are a universal connection protocol — described as 'USB-C for software' — that lets Claude Code plug into external tools like Google Calendar, Notion, Asana, and Stripe. Find them under Customize → Connectors. They handle authentication and data access for you, so no manual API wiring is needed. Once connected, they're available across all your sessions.
What is the difference between a mobile-responsive web app and a native mobile app?
A mobile-responsive web app is built to work well on phone screens and is accessed via a browser URL — it isn't a true native app installed from an app store. You can make it feel app-like by using the browser's 'Add to Home Screen' feature. This framework builds responsive web apps, which is far simpler than native development and covers most personal use cases.
Do I need an API key for every project?
No — you only need an API key if your project makes AI model calls, such as image analysis, text generation, or vision features. A static website, a browser game, or a simple automation may not need one. When you do need it, fund the key separately (e.g. via the Anthropic Console) and add it through .env.local, never in chat.
// How To
How do I write a good initial prompt for Claude Code?
Describe the end product, core rules, and functional requirements in plain English — you don't need to specify tech stack or implementation. If your idea is fuzzy, open a separate Claude chat first, explain it, and have Claude ask you questions to sharpen it before writing your trigger prompt. Then switch to Plan Mode and send it so Claude can plan and clarify.
How do I connect external tools like Notion or Google Calendar?
Go to Customize → Connectors, browse the available services, and connect the ones you need. Manage per-connector permissions — block, require approval, or allow automatically. Also connect Context7 for always-current framework documentation regardless of project type. Once connected, MCPs are available in all sessions and handle authentication and data access without any manual API wiring.
How do I set up GitHub with Claude Code for the first time?
Prompt Claude: 'Check if I have Git installed. If not, install it for me,' then 'Connect to GitHub so you can push code on my behalf and walk me through anything that needs manual input.' Follow Claude's step-by-step instructions, which involve installing the GitHub CLI and running one terminal authentication command. You only do this setup once — future projects just need a single push prompt.
How do I install a Chrome extension Claude Code built for me?
After Claude builds the extension and lists installation steps, open Chrome Extensions, enable Developer Mode, click Load Unpacked, and select the folder Claude created. Test immediately. If a UI element is misplaced, screenshot it and describe the correct placement in your next prompt. Reload the extension in Chrome after each fix to see the updated version.
What's the very first thing I should do when starting a build?
Create a dedicated project folder in Claude Code's Code tab — every build needs its own clearly named folder where Claude reads and writes all files. Then, if the project needs images or logos, drop those assets into the folder before prompting and reference them by filename. Only after the folder and assets are ready do you write your initial Plan Mode prompt.
// Troubleshooting
My Claude Code preview panel is showing an error — is my build broken?
Not necessarily — the built-in preview panel has a known bug that can throw errors even when the build is fine. Instead of assuming failure, click 'Open file' and load the HTML file manually in your browser to test the actual output. Only treat it as broken if the file itself fails when loaded directly.
Claude keeps making mistakes and forgetting decisions — what's wrong?
Your context window is likely full, which causes quality to drift as conversation history grows. Run /init to generate a claude.md reference, then prompt Claude to summarize the architecture, decisions, current state, and remaining work. Start a fresh session, point it at the same folder, and paste the summary in. This resets context while preserving everything important.
My deployed Vercel app can't reach the AI model but it worked locally — why?
You almost certainly forgot to add your environment variables in Vercel. The .env.local file is intentionally excluded from GitHub for security, so Vercel never receives your API keys unless you add them manually under the project's Environment Variables settings. Add the keys there, redeploy, and the AI calls will work in production.
How do I debug a visual bug or console error in Claude Code?
Take a screenshot and drop it directly into the chat — Claude can see uploaded images. Showing a misplaced element or a console error is faster and more accurate than describing it in text. This 'show don't describe' approach is especially valuable for layout issues, styling glitches, and stack traces that are hard to convey in words.
// Comparisons
How does Claude Code compare to hiring a freelance developer?
Claude Code lets you build and iterate instantly at a fraction of the cost, with no communication lag or handoff friction, and you own all the code. A freelancer brings judgment on complex architecture, long-term maintenance, and edge cases Claude may miss. For MVPs, internal tools, personal projects, and prototypes, this framework often removes the need for a developer entirely.
How does this framework compare to just prompting Claude Code randomly?
Random prompting skips Plan Mode, bundles multiple changes, ignores context limits, and leaks API keys into chat — leading to rebuilds, untraceable bugs, and security risk. This framework adds guardrails: Plan Mode first, one change per prompt, model matching, claude.md context management, and a security review before shipping. The result is cleaner debugging, consistent quality, and a repeatable path from idea to live deployment.
Should I use Opus or Sonnet for my project?
Use Opus for the initial plan and first build because it reasons better through complex problems and makes fewer mistakes up front. Switch to Sonnet for iterative edits since it's strong yet far more token-efficient, which protects your usage caps on limited plans. Haiku is too light for serious building. Matching model to task is a core principle of this framework.
// Advanced
Why one change per prompt instead of batching requests?
Submitting one change per prompt keeps debugging clean — bundled requests interact unexpectedly, and when something breaks you can't isolate which change caused it. Batching feels faster but usually costs more time untangling side effects. Describe one problem and desired outcome per iteration; for large architectural changes, switch back to Plan Mode for that specific request.
Can I run multiple Claude Code sessions in parallel?
Yes, once you're comfortable — Claude runs autonomously after the initial permission burst, so you can operate multiple sessions at once. But master the single-session workflow first. Running parallel sessions before you understand planning, iteration, and context management makes it hard to track state and debug, undermining the discipline that makes this framework reliable.
What is Context7 and should I connect it?
Context7 is an MCP connector that pulls up-to-date documentation for 50+ frameworks like React, Expo, Tailwind, and Vercel, so Claude builds against current specs instead of outdated ones from its training data. It's recommended for every project regardless of type, because it reduces bugs caused by deprecated APIs and stale library patterns. Connect it under Customize → Connectors.
How do I handle a project that needs a database or file storage?
During Vercel deployment, use the Storage tab to set up Neon for a database and Blob for file uploads. Tell Claude which platform you're deploying to during Plan Mode so it chooses a Vercel-compatible tech stack. This matters for apps that store user data, uploads, or persistent state — like a photo calorie logger that saves images and entries.
What are Skills and Plugins in Claude Code?
Skills are reusable workflows built into Claude — 'recipe cards for repeatable tasks' — that can be built-in, community-sourced, or custom, and are triggered by natural language or slash commands. The security review is a built-in skill. Plugins are broader, covering an entire role or workflow rather than a single task. Community-built plugins are available on GitHub.