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📚 TutorialOptimizationDirection Correction

Direction Correction

Learn how to effectively redirect Claude Code when it misunderstands your requirements or goes off-track during development tasks.

Recognizing When Course Correction is Needed

Common Signs

  • Claude is working on wrong files or components
  • Implementation doesn’t match your requirements
  • Solution is overly complex for the problem
  • Claude is making assumptions about project structure
  • Output doesn’t align with existing code patterns

Early Detection

Monitor these indicators:

  • First few lines of code changes
  • File selections and modifications
  • Approach explanations
  • Question patterns from Claude

Course Correction Techniques

1. Immediate Redirection

Stop and Clarify

Stop. Before continuing, let me clarify the requirements. I need you to focus specifically on [specific aspect]. The current approach is not what I'm looking for.

Redirect Focus

Actually, let's take a different approach. Instead of modifying the entire component, I only need you to [specific limited task].

2. Context Reset

Provide Fresh Context

Let me restart with clearer context: - Current file: src/components/UserProfile.tsx - Specific issue: The username validation on line 45 - Required change: Only update the regex pattern - Don't modify: Any other validation logic

Clarify Scope

This task should only involve: 1. [Specific action 1] 2. [Specific action 2] 3. [Specific action 3] Do not: - Refactor existing code - Add new dependencies - Modify other components

3. Constraint Setting

Technical Constraints

Important constraints for this task: - Use only existing dependencies - Maintain current API interface - Follow existing error handling patterns - No breaking changes to public methods

Scope Constraints

Limit changes to: - Only the calculateTotal function - Only the validation logic - Only the CSS styling for mobile view

Effective Correction Patterns

The “Actually” Pattern

Actually, that's not quite what I need. Let me be more specific: [clear instruction]

The “Instead” Pattern

Instead of creating a new component, please modify the existing LoginForm component to include the password strength indicator.

The “Focus” Pattern

Let's focus specifically on the error handling. Ignore the UI changes for now and just fix the async/await pattern in the API call.

The “Step Back” Pattern

Let's step back. The core issue is [simple problem]. We don't need to restructure anything, just [minimal change needed].

Advanced Correction Strategies

1. Incremental Correction

Approach

  • Correct one aspect at a time
  • Validate each correction before proceeding
  • Build up to complete solution

Example

First, let's just get the basic function working. Don't worry about error handling or optimization yet. Once we have the core logic right, we'll add those features.

2. Reference-Based Correction

Use Existing Examples

Look at how we handle authentication in src/auth/login.ts. Use that same pattern for the logout functionality. Don't create a new pattern.

Point to Specific Code

See the error handling in UserService.ts lines 23-35? Apply that exact same pattern to the ProductService, but change the error messages appropriately.

3. Assumption Challenging

Question Assumptions

Why are you creating a new configuration file? The existing config in settings.json should handle this. Please use the existing configuration structure.

Clarify Misunderstandings

I think there's a misunderstanding. I don't want to replace the entire navigation system. I just want to add one menu item to the existing nav.

Preventing Off-Track Situations

1. Clear Initial Instructions

Be Specific from the Start

Please update ONLY the password validation regex in src/utils/validation.ts line 42. Change from /^.{6,}$/ to /^(?=.*[A-Za-z])(?=.*\d)[A-Za-z\d]{8,}$/ Do not modify any other validation functions.

2. Provide Examples

Show Expected Outcome

The result should look like this: [provide code example or description] Not like this: [provide counter-example]

3. Set Boundaries

Define What NOT to Do

For this task, please do not: - Modify the database schema - Change the API endpoints - Update any test files - Install new packages

Recovery Strategies

When Claude Has Gone Too Far Off-Track

1. Full Reset

Let's start over completely. Please ignore everything we've discussed so far. Here's what I actually need: [fresh, clear instruction]

2. Partial Recovery

The first part of your approach is correct. However, for step 2, instead of [incorrect approach], please [correct approach].

3. Selective Acceptance

Keep the changes to the component structure, but revert the styling changes. I'll provide specific CSS requirements separately.

Common Correction Scenarios

1. Over-Engineering

Problem: Claude creates complex solution for simple problem Solution:

This is much more complex than needed. I just need a simple [specific requirement]. Can you provide a minimal solution?

2. Wrong File Focus

Problem: Claude modifies wrong files Solution:

Stop working on those files. The issue is specifically in [correct file]. Please focus only on that file.

3. Scope Creep

Problem: Claude keeps adding related improvements Solution:

Please limit the changes to exactly what I requested. Don't add any additional improvements or optimizations.

4. Pattern Deviation

Problem: Claude uses different patterns than existing code Solution:

Use the same pattern as [existing example]. Don't create a new approach. Consistency with existing code is important.

Best Practices for Direction Correction

Do

  • Interrupt early when you notice issues
  • Be specific about what’s wrong
  • Provide clear alternative direction
  • Reference existing code patterns
  • Set explicit boundaries

Don’t

  • Let Claude continue on wrong path
  • Use vague correction language
  • Assume Claude will infer the right direction
  • Skip providing positive examples
  • Ignore early warning signs

Next: Return to Tutorial Home to explore other optimization techniques.

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