CCAR-F Claude Code Configuration and Workflows Practice Question
Which command is used to start a new Claude Code session in the current directory and begin indexing the local files?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often look for overly complex initialization commands like 'claude init' or 'claude start', failing to recognize the simplicity of the base 'claude' command.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
claude
Starting a session is the first step in the Claude Code workflow. The CLI command initializes the environment, scans the directory for relevant files, and establishes a connection to the Anthropic API. This process allows the model to understand the codebase context before the user begins asking questions or requesting edits.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
claude init
Why it's wrong here
While 'init' is a common pattern for many CLI tools, Claude Code is typically invoked directly by its name to start an interactive session. There is no separate 'init' command required to begin working in a directory, as the tool performs its necessary initialization and indexing automatically upon startup.
- ✗
claude start
Why it's wrong here
The 'start' subcommand is not the standard way to launch the Claude Code interface. Using the base command is the most direct method to enter the interactive TUI. Subcommands are generally reserved for specific administrative tasks rather than the primary entry point for the agentic coding experience.
- ✓
claude
Why this is correct
Running the 'claude' command in the terminal launches the interactive agent. It immediately checks the current directory for a repository, reads any configuration files, and prepares the indexing service so that the model can answer questions about the code right away. This simplicity is a core feature of the tool's design.
- ✗
claude session --new
Why it's wrong here
This syntax is unnecessarily complex and does not exist in the Claude Code CLI. The tool is designed to be low-friction, and requiring multiple flags just to start a basic session would hinder developer productivity. The standard command is short and easy to remember for frequent daily use.
About these practice questions
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Anthropic exam blueprint
This CCAR-F practice question is part of Courseiva's free Anthropic certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CCAR-F exam.