The article explains how Claude 5 and its newer models have shifted from strict rule‑based guidance to leveraging better judgment and progressive disclosure. Initially, with Claude Code, we enforced hard rules—e.g., no multi‑line comments—to prevent worst‑case scenarios like file deletion. This approach often produced incorrect output when users needed richer documentation. The newer models can decide when to write comments and other code artifacts, allowing a system prompt like "Write code that reads like the surrounding code" to suffice.

Tool usage evolved too. Earlier, giving examples limited exploration, so we now focus on designing tool interfaces with expressive parameters—e.g., an enumerated "status" field in a Todo tool. The system also moved verification and code‑review tasks into separate, deferred skills, enabling Claude to load context only when needed.

Memory handling improved: Claude automatically stores relevant memories, eliminating manual # hotkey usage. Rich references, including HTML artifacts and dynamic rubrics, replace simple markdown plans, letting Claude verify taste and design guidelines.

Overall, the article urges developers to keep CLAUDE.md lightweight, use progressive disclosure, and simplify prompts with tools like `claude doctor`. It was written by Thariq Shihipar, Anthropic technical staff.