The anatomy of a Claude prompt, 8-step framework

1. Task Define what you want and what success looks like: "I want to [TASK] so that [SUCCESS CRITERIA]." No roles, no "act as a senior expert." That era is over. 2. Context Files Upload context files with your expertise and rules: "First, read these files completely before responding: [filename.md] - [what it contains]." Stop explaining yourself in the prompt. Put it in files. 3. Reference Show the AI exactly what you want. Upload an example, then give patterns, tone, and structure as rules. No "give me something like" and hoping it figures it out. 4. Brief This is the only part you actually type from scratch. Everything else is files. "Type of output plus length. Does NOT sound like. Success means." 5. Rules Context file holds your standards, taste, and audience. "Read it fully before starting. If you're about to break one of my rules, stop and tell me." 6. Conversation "DO NOT start executing yet. Ask me clarifying questions so we can refine the approach together step by step." 7. Plan "Before you write anything, list the 3 rules from my context file that matter most for this task. Then give me your execution plan." 8. Alignment Nothing happens until you both see the same aim. "Only begin work once we've aligned."