Claude Code Permissions: Safe vs Fast Development Modes

Problem: Claude Code asking for permission on every file edit and command kills your flow and burns time.

Quick Win: Press Shift+Tab to cycle through permission modes instantly:

# Press Shift+Tab to cycle:
normal → auto-accept edit on → plan mode → normal

Now you control your workflow without touching config files. Three permission modes, one keyboard shortcut. Match your mode to your task and stop the interruption cycle.

The Three Permission Modes

Claude Code gives you three distinct permission modes, each optimized for specific development scenarios.

Normal Mode (Default Security)

Normal mode prompts for every potentially dangerous operation. You'll see confirmation dialogs for:

• File edits and modifications
• Terminal command execution
• System operations
• Directory changes

This mode prioritizes security over speed, making it perfect for:

• Working on production code
• Unfamiliar codebases
• Learning new techniques
• High-risk operations

Auto-Accept Mode (Productivity Flow)

Auto-accept mode eliminates permission prompts for configured tools, enabling uninterrupted execution. Claude proceeds immediately with approved operations.

Activate by pressing Shift+Tab until you see "auto-accept edit on" in the interface.

Best for:

• Large refactoring sessions
• Following well-defined implementation plans
• Research and documentation tasks
• Repetitive operations across multiple files

Plan Mode (Read-Only Research)

Plan mode restricts Claude to read-only operations, preventing any modifications while allowing comprehensive analysis.

Perfect for:

• Initial codebase exploration
• Architecture analysis
• Planning complex features
• Code review sessions

Managing Permissions with /permissions

Instead of manually editing JSON files, use the built-in /permissions command:

# Launch the interactive permissions UI
/permissions

This interface lets you:

• View currently allowed and denied tools
• Grant permission to specific tools or patterns
• Block access to tools you want to restrict
• Make changes without restarting Claude Code

For granular control, you can allow specific command patterns. For example, allowing Bash(git log:*) permits only git log commands rather than all bash access.

Development Scenario Strategies

Early Development (Use Normal Mode)

When starting new projects or exploring unfamiliar code:

• Keep all permissions manual
• Review each suggested change
• Learn how Claude approaches problems
• Build confidence in the AI's decisions

Active Development (Use Auto-Accept)

During intensive coding sessions:

• Enable auto-accept for trusted file types
• Allow common commands (npm, git status)
• Maintain prompts for system operations
• Enable uninterrupted workflow

Code Review (Use Plan Mode)

When analyzing existing codebases:

• Switch to plan mode for safety
• Let Claude explore without modifications
• Generate analysis and recommendations
• Switch modes only when ready to implement

Common Permission Pitfalls

Over-permissioning: Don't use --dangerously-skip-permissions. This removes ALL safety checks and can destroy your environment.

Under-permissioning: Constantly clicking "Allow" defeats the purpose. Use /permissions to configure repeat operations.

Mode Confusion: Check your current mode before starting work. The mode indicator appears in the UI.

Blanket Permissions: Avoid allowing all bash commands. Use patterns like Bash(npm *) to limit scope.

What's Next

Master your development workflow by learning complementary techniques:

• Optimize your feedback loops for faster iteration
• Set up efficient todo workflows for task management
• Configure git integration for seamless version control
• Explore configuration basics for advanced setup options
• Learn about troubleshooting common permission issues

Remember: Permission modes are tools for different development phases. Normal mode for safety, auto-accept for productivity, plan mode for exploration. Match the mode to your current needs.