As a session grows, Claude Code keeps the whole conversation in context. Long sessions get slower, cost more, and start to drift. Three commands keep things tidy.
1. Start fresh with /clear
When you move to an unrelated task, wipe the conversation so old context stops shaping answers. Type this in the Claude Code prompt:
/clear
It keeps your project setup (files, CLAUDE.md) but drops the chat history. Use it between
unrelated tasks.
2. Shrink a long session with /compact
If you want to keep going on the same task but context is getting large, compact it instead of clearing:
/compact
Claude summarizes the conversation so far and continues with a much smaller context. You can steer what it keeps:
/compact focus on the auth refactor decisions and open TODOs
3. Pick up where you left off
Closed the terminal? Resume the most recent session:
claude --continue
Or choose from a list of recent sessions:
claude --resume
Tips
- Rule of thumb:
/clearbetween tasks,/compactwithin a long task. - Watch the context indicator and compact before it fills, not after.
- Set up a CLAUDE.md so a cleared session still knows your conventions.