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Capstone: Speed Run Challenge

Time: 30-60 minutes | Skills: Keyboard Shortcuts, Slash Commands, Custom Commands

The Scenario​

You are a developer who just joined a new team. Your manager has given you a small project folder and asked you to get familiar with it as fast as possible. The catch: your manager is timing you, and they want to see you navigate Claude Code like a pro — using shortcuts and commands, not fumbling through menus.

Your goal is to complete a series of tasks using the keyboard shortcuts and slash commands you learned in this module. Try to finish all tasks within 30 minutes. The faster you go, the more confident you will feel using Claude Code in real work.

Setup​

  1. Create a fresh project folder for this challenge:

    mkdir speed-run-challenge
    cd speed-run-challenge

  2. Start Claude Code in this folder:

    claude

  3. Set a timer for 30 minutes on your phone or computer.

The Challenges​

Complete each task in order. Pay attention to the required technique — the point is to practice the specific shortcut or command, not just get the result.

Challenge 1: Initialize the Project​

Required: Use the /init slash command.

Run /init to let Claude set up a CLAUDE.md for this project. Review what it creates.

Challenge 2: Create Project Files​

Required: Use Shift+Enter for a multi-line prompt.

Ask Claude to create three files in a single multi-line prompt:

  • index.html — a basic HTML page with a heading
  • style.css — basic styling with a dark theme
  • app.js — a JavaScript file that logs "Hello World" to the console

Use Shift+Enter to write all three requests in one message.

Challenge 3: Check Your Spending​

Required: Use the /cost command.

Run /cost to see how many tokens the previous tasks used. Make a mental note of the number.

Challenge 4: Interrupt and Redirect​

Required: Use Ctrl+C to interrupt.

Ask Claude to "list every possible CSS color name with hex values." While Claude is generating the long response, press Ctrl+C to stop it. Then ask a shorter question instead.

Challenge 5: Recall a Previous Prompt​

Required: Use the Up Arrow key.

Press the Up Arrow to find your multi-line prompt from Challenge 2. Do not re-send it — just confirm you can find it in your history.

Challenge 6: Review Your Code​

Required: Use the /review command.

Run /review to have Claude review the files it created. Read the feedback.

Challenge 7: Compact the Conversation​

Required: Use the /compact command.

Your conversation is getting long. Run /compact with a focus instruction:

/compact Focus on the project structure and files we created

Then run /cost again and compare the token count to Challenge 3.

Challenge 8: Create a Custom Command​

Required: Create a file in .claude/commands/.

Ask Claude to create a custom slash command called summarize that summarizes any file passed as an argument. The command file should be at .claude/commands/summarize.md and use $ARGUMENTS.

Challenge 9: Test Your Custom Command​

Required: Use your new /project:summarize command.

Run your custom command on one of the files you created:

/project:summarize index.html

Challenge 10: Check Memory and Exit​

Required: Use /memory and /exit.

Run /memory to review the CLAUDE.md file. Then use /exit to end the session.

Bonus Challenges (If You Have Time Left)​

  • Search history: Press Ctrl+R and search for the word "create" to find an earlier prompt.
  • Editor mode: Press Ctrl+O to open a prompt in your external text editor. Write a prompt there, save, and send it.
  • Speed test: Start a new claude session and see how fast you can check the project memory, ask one question, compact, check cost, and exit. Aim for under 2 minutes.

Self-Assessment​

  • Used /init to initialize the project
  • Used Shift+Enter for multi-line input
  • Used /cost to check token usage at least twice
  • Used Ctrl+C to interrupt a response
  • Used the Up Arrow to navigate prompt history
  • Used /review to review code
  • Used /compact to summarize the conversation
  • Created a custom slash command in .claude/commands/
  • Tested the custom command with /project:summarize
  • Used /memory to review project memory
  • Used /exit to end the session cleanly
  • Finished all tasks within 30 minutes
How did you do?

If you completed 8 or more checkboxes, you have a solid grasp of Claude Code navigation. If you completed all of them within 30 minutes, you are ready to move on to the next module with confidence. If some felt tricky, go back and re-read the relevant lesson — speed comes with practice.

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