Claude Code’s New Feature: /output-style Switch Opens a New Era for AI Programming Education

Anthropic recently announced a significant update to its command-line tool, Claude Code, officially launching two new programming learning modes: Explanatory and Learning. This update aims to transform AI from a simple code generator into a “personal coach” that can deeply engage in programming education. The update, which went live on August 15, 2025, offers developers and programming beginners an unprecedented personalized learning experience.

Traditional AI programming assistants often provide one-click solutions, which are efficient for quickly completing tasks but make it difficult for learners to understand the logic behind the code. Claude Code’s introduction of the /output-style command perfectly addresses this pain point. Users can simply type /output-style into the command line to seamlessly switch between two communication styles, without any complex configuration.

Each of these two modes has a different focus to meet the needs of various users:

•Explanatory Mode: Like a Teacher on a Whiteboard, Explaining Every StepIn this mode, Claude Code no longer silently generates code. Instead, it acts like an experienced mentor, meticulously explaining its thought process for each step. It delves into the trade-offs of architectural design, the pros and cons of different solutions, and shares best practices. This mode is especially suitable for advanced developers who want to deeply understand code principles and improve their architectural thinking. For instance, when refactoring a legacy project, using Explanatory mode allows Claude to explain why a new library is replacing an old one, helping you efficiently review knowledge while modifying the code.

•Learning Mode: Pair Programming, Handing the Keyboard Over to YouIf you’re a programming beginner, Learning mode is the best choice. In this mode, Claude Code pauses at appropriate moments and breaks down coding tasks into small steps, inviting you to complete them yourself. This “learning by doing” pair programming model effectively lowers the learning barrier. When you encounter difficulties or make mistakes while writing code, Claude will immediately point them out and provide guidance, helping you avoid common pitfalls. For example, the first time you try to write a REST API, you can choose Learning mode, and Claude will prompt, “You write the routes, and I’ll check,” allowing you to gain experience through practice rather than passively copying and pasting code.

The core value of this update is that Claude Code is no longer just a simple tool; it’s a “personal coach” that can flexibly change its role according to user needs. Its core advantages cover all developers, from beginners to seasoned experts, truly achieving a “tailored” programming education.

1、For Beginners: Lower the Barrier, Real-time GuidanceFor newcomers to the world of programming, the complexity of the code can often be daunting. Claude Code’s Learning mode was created for this exact purpose.It breaks down complex programming tasks into manageable “small steps,” allowing you to learn progressively and confidently. This hands-on guidance greatly lowers the learning curve, so you’re no longer intimidated by large, complex chunks of code.Even more importantly, it provides real-time feedback. When you write incorrect code or your thinking goes astray, Claude Code immediately points it out and provides the correct direction. This is like having a constant mentor by your side, helping you correct errors in time and avoid wasting a lot of time on pitfalls. This “instant correction” learning method can effectively boost your learning efficiency and confidence.

2、For Advanced Users: In-depth Analysis, Efficient ReviewFor experienced developers, simple code generation is no longer enough. They care more about the design philosophy, architectural choices, and best practices behind the code.Claude Code’s Explanatory mode is tailored for these users. It provides in-depth code analysis, detailed explanations of the purpose of each line of code, architectural trade-offs, and the pros and cons of different implementation methods. It’s like a top-tier architect providing unique insights when you need them, helping you upgrade from “being able to write code” to “being able to write good code.”Additionally, Explanatory mode is a powerful review tool. When refactoring old projects or learning new libraries, you can use it to review and analyze the code, quickly grasp its essence, and fill in knowledge gaps, thereby significantly enhancing your technical depth and breadth.

3、For Everyone: Universal Education, All-in-one ExperienceMost excitingly, Anthropic has made the core features of its educational version available to all users without additional fees. This means that both students just starting out and experienced engineers looking to improve can get personalized learning and guidance from a single tool.Claude Code truly achieves a “one tool, dual identity” breakthrough: it can be a patient and meticulous “personal practice partner,” helping you build a solid foundation; or it can be a high-level “senior mentor,” assisting you in breaking through bottlenecks. This all-in-one solution makes high-quality programming education accessible, allowing every developer to find the most suitable path for their growth.

Claude Code’s two new modes are not just functional innovations; they also provide highly targeted solutions for developers’ daily work and learning. From a beginner’s project from scratch to refactoring complex legacy code, it can play the most suitable role to maximize the value of AI.

Scenario A: Learning REST API from Scratch

If you’re trying to write a REST API for the first time, you might feel lost with concepts like routes, controllers, and middleware. In this case, choosing Learning mode is a smart move.

You just need to type /output-style Learning into the command line and tell Claude your task. It won’t give you a complete code package directly; instead, it will break down the task. For example, it might prompt you: “Let’s first define the user routes. You write the GET /users and POST /users parts, and I’ll help you check.”

This interactive approach requires you to write the code yourself. In the process, you’ll not only truly understand how to configure routes but also avoid common syntax errors or logical problems with Claude’s real-time feedback. It’s like having an experienced mentor guiding you step-by-step, helping you quickly master core concepts through practice instead of simple copy-and-pasting.

Scenario B: Refactoring a Legacy Project

When you have to refactor a large and old project, one of the biggest challenges is understanding the logic and technical debt of the legacy code. In this situation, Explanatory mode becomes your powerful assistant.

You can type /output-style Explanatory into the command line and give Claude the code snippet you need to refactor. It will analyze it line by line and explain in detail why changes are needed. For example, when it suggests replacing an old HTTP request library with a newer, more efficient one, it will explain the reasons in detail: “We recommend switching to axios because it supports Promises, can handle asynchronous operations better, and has wider community support and maintenance, thereby improving the project’s maintainability.”

This in-depth analysis mode allows you to gain a deep understanding of the considerations behind each technical decision and master the latest industry best practices while refactoring code. It turns the complex refactoring process into an efficient technical learning experience, helping you upgrade your personal skills while improving project quality.

The core of this update lies in the two key “switches” introduced by Claude Code—Explanatory and Learning modes—which have completely changed the role of AI in the programming workflow.

It is no longer just a “code generator” that passively receives instructions and mass-produces code. Instead, by providing two completely different interaction styles, Claude Code has successfully upgraded itself to a “personal coach” that can understand user needs and provide personalized guidance.

For programming novices, it’s a patient and meticulous “practice partner” who, through hands-on guidance and real-time feedback, encourages them to try and not be afraid of complex code. For experienced developers, it’s a knowledgeable “mentor” who helps them improve their technical depth by providing in-depth architectural analysis and sharing best practices.

In short, Claude Code is using technological innovation to redefine the collaboration model between humans and AI. It allows AI to break away from its singular tool attribute and become a true learning partner and growth enabler, allowing every developer to find their own efficient growth path.