Recommended AI Workflow as noted in the recent ThinkingElixir podcast

November 18, 2025 • Seungjin Kim
Recommended AI Workflow as noted in the recent ThinkingElixir podcast

Getting Started: Installing Claude Code in VSCode

  1. Open Your Project in VSCode
    Make sure your project folder is open in Visual Studio Code before proceeding.

  2. Open the Integrated Terminal
    Use Ctrl + backtick or select Terminal → New Terminal from the menu.

  3. Install or Launch Claude Code

    • Run claude in the terminal. The extension often auto-installs or prompts you to finalize setup.
    • To hook Claude Code to the IDE terminal context, run /ide after launching Claude.

  4. Check/Install Code Command in PATH (if needed)
    Use the Command Palette (Cmd+Shift+P or Ctrl+Shift+P) and select:
    "Shell Command: Install 'code' command in PATH".

Core Features in VSCode

  • Claude Panel Activation:
    Use Cmd+Esc (Mac) or Ctrl+Esc (Windows/Linux) to open Claude chat inside VSCode.

  • Interact With Files & Selections:
    Selecting code shares context with Claude so you can ask targeted questions like “What does this function do?”.

  • Multi-line Input:
    Use Shift+Enter for multi-line queries.

  • Insert File References:
    Use Cmd+Option+K or Alt+Ctrl+K to insert file references in your conversations.

  • View & Apply Code Diffs:
    Claude suggests code edits which you can apply directly.

Elixir Integration

  • Use the Claude Code SDK for Elixir as a project dependency.
  • Run mix claude.install to set up hooks if needed.

Sample in Elixir:

{:ok, session} = ClaudeCode.start_link()
{:ok, response} = ClaudeCode.query(session, "Review my mix.exs file", allowed_tools: ["View", "Edit"])

AI-Enhanced Development Workflow

  1. Start with a PRD and Meeting Transcription:
    Create or enrich your product requirements document using AI summaries.

  2. Create an Implementation Plan:
    Have Claude research your project files and draft a plan in Markdown stored locally.

  3. Collaborate and Refine:
    Review and modify the plan as architect; iterate with Claude.

  4. Implement with Testing:
    Use a fresh context to implement the plan; write and review tests for correctness.

  5. Maintain Plan Persistency:
    Keep the PRD and plan updated for future bug fixes or changes.

Tips

  • Use one Markdown file for the plan to persist context.
  • Always review AI-generated tests carefully.
  • Restart contexts as needed to avoid context loss.

Additional Resources