Advanced Vibe Coding with Claude Code [Guide + Real Demos]

Use Claude Code's advanced features - from Plan Mode to Specialized Agents.

You've installed Claude Code.
You've built your first projects.
You can use Claude Code to get things done.
That means "You're officially VIBE Coding".

But most people only use about 20% of Claude Code's true power.

If you followed my starter guide to Vibe Coding with Claude Code, you learned the fundamentals.

Read this starter guide if you are new to Claude Code.
It will help you get started right from scratch👇

Vibe Coding with Claude Code: No Coding Skills Needed

Complete Vibe coding guide to Build working applications through plain English conversation - no coding knowledge required. Learn Claude Code with a complete beginner tutorial including calculator project, essential features, and pro tips (such as GitHub integration).

CG Strategy LabChiranjeev Gaggar

Now you have your Vibe Coding foundations.

This guide will take you to the next level of Vibe Coding.

After building dozens of Agentic workflows with Claude Code, I realized that real productivity gains come from using the advanced features.

The top 1% of users use Claude Code like an Agentic AI workspace. Claude Code is production-ready, battle-tested, and available right now.

If you want agentic AI for development today, Claude Code is your tool.

What You'll Learn in This Vibe Coding Guide:

I'll walk you through 4 advanced features that separate the Pros from everyone else. Each one includes real demos / screenshots from my projects.

Here's what we're covering:

1. Task Lists - Structure complex projects with tasks that persist across context clears.
2. Plan Mode - Get architectural alignment and design an implementation plan before writing code.
3. Explore Agent (Specialized Agent) - Understand any codebase fast by using Explore agent.
4. Background Processes - True parallel productivity. Launch research tasks in the background while you continue building.

These aren't hidden features. They're built into Claude Code. Most users just don't know they exist or when to use them.

Let's start with the feature that changed how I approach every multi-step project.

Feature #1: Task Lists
Never Lose Track of Complex Projects

What are Task Lists?

• It's Claude Code's task management system that lets you break down complex projects into structured, trackable tasks.
• When you request a multi-step build, Claude creates a task list that persists outside your conversation.

Why Task Lists?

Vibe coders when building something complex, make progress, then clear context to save tokens. It's tough to maintain context when you come back.

With Task Lists, You Can:

1. Clear context aggressively without losing project state
2. Track progress automatically as Claude completes work
3. Switch between sessions and pick up exactly where you left off
4. Reduce mental load by offloading project structure to the system

Real Demo: Building a Markdown-to-PDF Converter

To demonstrate task lists, I asked Claude to help me build a markdown-to-PDF converter from scratch.

How I Used It: Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Step 1: Request the Complex Project

I gave Claude a clear but high-level request:

"Create a task list for building a markdown to pdf converter"

Notice I didn't break it down myself. I let Claude handle the decomposition.

Step 2: Claude Structures the Work

Within seconds, Claude responded: "I'll create a structured task list for building a markdown to PDF converter."

Claude mapped the entire journey, identified dependencies (you need HTML conversion before PDF conversion), and created logical phases.

This isn't just a bullet list. It's a structured plan with clear next steps.

Step 3: Understanding Persistence

Here's where task lists prove their value. The task list doesn't live in your conversation. It lives in Claude Code's task management system.

This means when you type `/clear` to reset context and save tokens, then check back in with "show me the task list," everything is still there.

You can close the terminal, restart your computer, come back tomorrow. Your tasks remain. Your progress state is preserved.

When to Use Task Lists

Trigger task lists for:

1. Multi-step builds with distinct phases
2. Long projects spanning multiple sessions
3. Iterative work you'll interrupt and return to later

Note: You don't always need to ask explicitly. For complex requests, Claude often creates task lists proactively.

Key Takeaways

• Context Independence: Clear context aggressively to save tokens. Your project structure remains intact. No more "where was I?" moments when you return.
• Mental Load Reduction: Instead of holding the entire project structure in your head, offload it to the task system.
• Iterative Work Flow: Build in sessions. Work for an hour, close everything, come back next week. Pick up exactly where you left off.

Pro Tip: When starting your next multi-step project, try: "Create a task list for [your project] and let's work through it systematically." This signals upfront that you want structured progress tracking.

Feature #2: Plan Mode
Get Full Alignment Before Coding

What is Plan Mode?

• Plan Mode is Claude Code's architectural planning feature for building complex, useful workflows
• Claude enters a dedicated planning phase to explore codebase, research best practices, and designs an implementation plan.

Why This Matters

How many times have you started building something, only to realize halfway through that you made the wrong architectural choice?

Plan Mode solves this. Claude explores first, plans second, builds third.
You get:

1. Upfront alignment on approach before any coding
2. Codebase exploration using specialized agents
3. Structured decision-making via multi-choice questions

The plan includes file structure, implementation details, dependencies, and trade-offs. You review, approve, or request changes. Then building begins.

Real Demo: Reddit-to-LinkedIn Post Generator

To demonstrate Plan Mode, I asked Claude to build a system that scans Reddit for trending tech topics and automatically drafts LinkedIn posts.

Complex project. Perfect for Plan Mode.

How I Used It: Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Step 1: Request Plan Mode

I gave Claude the high-level goal and explicitly requested Plan Mode:

"I want to create a system that drafts multiple LinkedIn posts based on trending Tech topics on Reddit. Enter Plan Mode and develop a plan where the system first scans reddit / sub reddits for relevant topics, then pulls relevant information and drafts LinkedIn posts for top 5 trending topics."

Step 2: Claude Explores and Asks Questions

Claude responded: "I'll help you create a system to draft LinkedIn posts based on trending tech topics from Reddit. This involves several architectural decisions."

Then it entered Plan Mode and immediately launched an Explore agent to understand the current codebase structure.

This agent ran separately (9 tool uses, 12.4k tokens, 30 seconds) to map out what already exists.

Next came structured questions.
Claude presented multiple-choice options with "Recommended" tags:

1. Which approach for generating LinkedIn content? (AI-generated using Claude API - Recommended)
2. Which tech subreddits to monitor? (r/technology, r/programming, r/artificial - Recommended)
3. How should the system output posts? (Save to markdown files - Recommended)

This is way better than open-ended "what do you think?" back-and-forth. You see options with context and pick what makes sense.

Step 3: Claude Researches and Designs the Plan

After I selected my preferences, Claude launched a Plan agent that did web research on best practices.

The final plan included:

1. Complete file structure (main.py, src/ folder with modules, config.yaml, requirements.txt)
2. Architecture diagram showing the pipeline flow
3. Implementation details for each component

At the end: "Ready to code?"

When to Use Plan Mode

Use Plan Mode for:

1. New feature implementation that touches multiple files
2. Architectural decisions where multiple approaches are valid
3. Complex refactors that need careful sequencing
4. Projects with unknowns where you need to research options first

For simple edits or single-file changes, skip it. For anything that makes you think "hmm, how should we approach this?", enter Plan Mode.

Key Takeaways

• Prevents Wasted Work: No more building for an hour only to realize you took the wrong approach. You align on architecture before writing code.
• Specialized Agents Do the Heavy Lifting: Explore agents analyze your codebase. Your main conversation stays clean, with efficient token usage.
• Structured Decision-Making: Instead of endless "what do you think?" back-and-forth, you get clear options with recommendations.
• Research Integration: Claude searches for current libraries, recent approaches, and up-to-date patterns for 2026.

Pro Tip: For any project where you're unsure about the approach, say: "Enter Plan Mode and design an implementation strategy for [your goal]." You'll save time even if the planning takes a few extra minutes.

Feature #3: Explore Agent
Understand Codebases Lightning Fast

What is Explore Agent?

• The Explore Agent is a specialized AI agent that analyzes codebases on your behalf.
• Uses Haiku model (faster, cheaper) to perform multiple file reads & searches.

Why This Matters

Ever tried to understand a new codebase by manually understanding files?

You make dozens of searches, read multiple files, piece together patterns. It's slow, you miss connections, and it clutters your conversation history.

Explore Agent solves this:

1. Comprehensive analysis across multiple files and patterns
2. Context isolation so your main conversation stays focused
3. Cost efficiency by using Haiku model instead of Sonnet
4. Speed through parallel file operations and smart exploration

Real Demo: Analyzing FlowState Codebase

Note: FlowState is one of my personal projects that helps me create workflow diagrams using AI

To demonstrate Explore Agent, I opened one of my automation projects called FlowState. This project converts Mermaid diagram syntax into PNG images.

How I Used It: Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Step 1: Ask an Exploration Question

I gave Claude a broad architectural question:

"Use the Explore Agent and assess how this project works. Create a high level architectural diagram of how this works using ASCII art."

Step 2: Explore Agent Launches Automatically

Claude responded: "I'll explore the FlowState project to understand its architecture and then create an ASCII diagram for you."

Then the status line showed the agent launched:

Explore Agent with Haiku 4.5 model ran for 52 seconds, performed 14 tool uses, and consumed 17.1k tokens.

Key point: Those 17.1k tokens are separate from my main conversation!

Step 3: Received Structured Analysis

After exploration, Claude presented a detailed ASCII architecture diagram.

The diagram showed the complete data flow from input to output. I understood the entire project in under a minute without reading a single file manually.

The agent also explained component relationships, identified the technology stack (Node.js, Mermaid CLI, Python orchestration), and highlighted key design decisions.

When to Use Explore Agent

Use Explore Agent for:

1. Architectural understanding of unfamiliar codebases
2. Pattern discovery across multiple files
3. Broad exploration questions like "how is error handling done?"
4. Project structure analysis when joining a new codebase

For finding a specific function or file, use normal search. For understanding how systems work together, use Explore Agent.

Key Takeaways

• Context Isolation: Exploration happens in a separate agent. Your main conversation doesn't get cluttered with dozens of file contents and search results.
• Cost Efficiency: Explore Agent uses Haiku 4.5 (faster, cheaper model). For codebase analysis, you don't need Sonnet's full power. This saves tokens and money.
• Comprehensive Analysis: The agent performs 10-15 tool operations in parallel, finding patterns and connections you'd miss with manual searches.

Pro Tip: When joining a new codebase or exploring unfamiliar code, start with: "Use the Explore Agent to analyze how [specific system/feature] works." You'll get up to speed faster than any manual exploration.

Feature #4: Background Runs
Drive True Parallel Productivity

Description

Background Processes let you run tasks without blocking your main conversation.

When you need research, long searches, or time-consuming operations, Claude launches them in the background as separate agents.

Why This Matters

Standard workflow: you ask Claude to research something (find APIs, compare libraries, analyze patterns), then wait while it searches and compiles results.

You're blocked! Can't continue building until research completes.

Background Processes change this:

1. Non-blocking workflow so you continue working during research
2. Parallel task execution where multiple things happen at once
3. Flexible result retrieval when you're ready, not immediately

Real Demo: Researching Finance APIs While Planning

To demonstrate Background Processes, I was planning a stock analysis tool. I needed to research free finance APIs, but I didn't want to wait for the research to start planning the tool structure.

Perfect for background execution.

How I Used It: Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Step 1: Launch Research in Background

I gave Claude a research task with explicit background instruction:

"Search in background for top free APIs online that are available to provide finance / stocks related data for a project I am planning. I want a list of top 3-4 sources we can consider. I will share more details later."

Claude responded: "I'll search for top free finance/stock APIs in the background and compile a list for you."

Then the status showed:

Task(Research free finance APIs) - Backgrounded agent

The agent started immediately, but I wasn't blocked. My terminal was ready for the next command.

Step 2: Continued Working While Agent Ran

While the background agent researched APIs, I immediately asked Claude:

"Create a task list for building a simple stock analysis tool that takes company name and uses some API that I will share later to provide some advice that user asks for. More details later."

Claude created a full task list (7 tasks from design to testing) while the background research was still running.

This is the power of background processes. Two things happening at once. No blocking, no waiting.

Step 3: Retrieved Results When Complete

After about a minute, Claude notified me:

"Agent 'Research free finance APIs' completed"

The results included a detailed comparison of 4 free APIs:

1. Finnhub - 60 calls/minute, real-time data, no credit card needed
2. Yahoo Finance (yfinance) - Unlimited requests, Python library, unofficial but widely used
3. Alpha Vantage - 25 calls/day, comprehensive data including technical indicators
4. Polygon.io - 5 calls/minute, 15-min delayed data, great documentation

Each included best use cases, limitations, and URLs.

I got comprehensive research without waiting. By the time the agent finished, I already had my project structure planned.

When to Use Background Processes

Use Background Processes for:

1. Research tasks that take time (API comparisons, library searches)
2. Long-running operations like large codebase scans
3. Parallel explorations when you need multiple investigations
4. Non-urgent tasks where you don't need results immediately

If you need the answer right now to proceed, run it normally. If you can work on something else meanwhile, background it.

Key Takeaways

• Non-Blocking Workflow: Launch time-consuming tasks without waiting. Continue building, planning, or working while background agents run.
• Parallel Execution: Run multiple background tasks simultaneously. Research APIs, analyze codebases, search patterns, all at once.
• Task Orchestration: Combine background processes with task lists and plan mode for sophisticated multi-threaded workflows.

Pro Tip: When you need research but don't need it immediately, say: "Research [topic] in the background while we work on [immediate task]." You'll maximize productivity by parallelizing work.

Beyond the Core 4 Advanced Features

You've now learned the 4 features that deliver 90% of advanced productivity gains. But Claude Code has even more capabilities worth exploring:

• Parallel Tool Execution: Claude automatically runs independent operations simultaneously (reading multiple files, running parallel searches). You don't trigger this manually, it's built-in optimization.
• Skills & Slash Commands: Use `/commit` for intelligent git commits that follow repository conventions. Create custom skills for repeated workflows. Check available skills by typing `/help` in your terminal.
• Hooks System: Configure shell commands that execute automatically on events like file writes or tool calls. Great for auto-formatting, running tests, or custom validation.
• MCP Servers (Model Context Protocol): Extend Claude Code with custom integrations and tools. Connect to external APIs, databases, or services directly from your terminal.
• AskUserQuestion Tool: Claude can present structured multiple-choice questions during execution (you saw this in Plan Mode). Better than open-ended "what do you think?" questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Continue Learning

Related CG Strategy Lab Resources:

• Comprehensive AI Ebook: AI Concepts in a progressive & practical style
• N8N Automation Guide: Learn workflow automation
• AI Framework Comparison: Understanding different AI development tools

CG Strategy Lab explores practical AI implementation insights that bridge strategy and execution. Share your comments here and connect with me on LinkedIn if you'd like to discuss this topic further.