Platform Specific Architecture

Claude Prompt Guide

Harness Claude's massive context window, XML tag structuring, and Artifact rendering precision.

View Claude on AlsoClick → Compatible Skills & Extensions (3+)

Ideal Use Cases & Strengths

Synthesizing 200k+ token documents, nuanced technical writing, complex multi-file refactoring, executing strict negative constraints, and creating interactive React/HTML Artifacts.

Recommended Prompt Architecture

### The Anthropic XML-Tagged Framework Claude excels when inputs, instructions, and rules are isolated inside clear XML tags: ```xml <role>You are a Principal Software Architect.</role> <context> [Technical specifications, database schemas, API specs] </context> <instructions> [Precise task breakdown and desired outcome] </instructions> <constraints> [Strict rules and things to avoid] </constraints> <output_format> [XML or Markdown structure for the response] </output_format> ```

Output Formatting Tips

• Use XML tags (<analysis>, <solution>, <code_block>) to separate thoughts from code. • Request Artifacts for complete standalone files (React components, SVGs, HTML pages). • Ask Claude to write in <thinking> tags before producing the final response to improve accuracy.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Using ambiguous punctuation instead of XML tags when pasting multiple code snippets or documents. • Asking for a full file rewrite when only a function needed modification.

Advanced Techniques & Power Features

• Prefilling the Assistant Response: Start Claude's response with `{` to force valid JSON output, or `<analysis>` to begin an XML structure. • Context Priming: Place large background reference material near the top of the prompt and specific instructions near the end. • Negative Constraint Adherence: Claude strictly follows negative constraints (e.g. 'Never introduce external CSS libraries').

Tested Claude Templates

Copy, customize, and paste these verified templates directly into Claude.

ResearchClaude

In-Depth Academic Research Paper Synthesis

Extracts deep insights, empirical proofs, and limitations from complex technical papers.

<role>You are a Senior Academic Research Fellow.</role>
<paper_text>
[INSERT PAPER EXCERPT OR TRANSCRIPT]
</paper_text>
<instructions>
Critically evaluate the paper's core hypothesis, empirical rigor, and practical implications.
</instructions>
<constraints>
- Cite specific claims accurately.
- Highlight methodological limitations and unaddressed edge cases.
</constraints>
<output_format>
1. Core Theoretical Contribution
2. Methodology & Experimental Setup
3. Key Empirical Findings
4. Vulnerabilities & Limitations
5. Real-World Engineering Takeaways
</output_format>

Ready to paste

CodingClaude

Large Codebase Architecture Refactor Blueprint

Produces thorough, phased architectural refactoring plans with XML structure.

<role>You are a Principal Software Architect.</role>
<context>
[INSERT SYSTEM OVERVIEW & CODE]
</context>
<instructions>
Analyze the current implementation for maintainability, coupling, and scalability bottlenecks. Produce a phased, safe refactoring roadmap.
</instructions>
<constraints>
- Maintain backwards compatibility.
- Ensure every phase has an independent verification test suite.
</constraints>
<output_format>
Structure your response in clear XML tags:
<analysis>Current architectural evaluation</analysis>
<phases>Step-by-step phased execution plan</phases>
<safeguards>Regression prevention measures</safeguards>
</output_format>

Ready to paste