1122 Model Comparison 2eb72e14

Model-Specific Optimization Guide

Overview

Each Claude model has different characteristics that affect prompt optimization:

Claude Opus 4.5

Strengths

• Handles complex, multi-step reasoning
• Excellent at nuanced analysis
• Can work with detailed instructions
• Strong at creative problem-solving

Known Issues

• Over-engineering tendency: Will add features, abstractions, and "improvements" beyond what was asked
• Expensive for simple tasks
• Can be verbose

Required Prompt Additions

Always include for Opus:

## Simplicity Clause

Avoid over-engineering. Only make changes that are directly requested or clearly necessary.
Keep solutions simple and focused.

- Don't add features, refactor code, or make "improvements" beyond what was asked
- A bug fix doesn't need surrounding code cleaned up
- A simple feature doesn't need extra configurability
- Don't add error handling for scenarios that can't happen
- Don't create helpers or abstractions for one-time operations

Best Use Cases

• Code reviews
• Architecture decisions
• Complex refactoring
• Research and analysis

Claude Sonnet 4

Strengths

• Good balance of speed and quality
• Reliable instruction following
• Cost-effective for most tasks

Prompt Guidelines

• Standard, clear prompts work well
• Use as baseline for prompt testing
• No special anti-patterns to address

Best Use Cases

• Daily development work
• Content generation
• Most general tasks

Claude Haiku 3.5

Strengths

• Very fast
• Cost-effective
• Good for simple, focused tasks

Known Issues

• Context limitations: Forgets details in long sessions
• Shallow responses: May miss nuance
• Needs more guidance: What Opus infers, Haiku needs explicit

Required Prompt Additions

For Haiku, provide more structure:

## Task Breakdown

Complete these steps in order:
1. [Specific step 1]
2. [Specific step 2]
3. [Specific step 3]

Do not skip steps. Confirm each step before proceeding.

Example Enhancement

Haiku benefits more from examples than other models:

Always provide 3-5 examples for Haiku on complex tasks.

Best Use Cases

• Quick sub-tasks
• Simple transformations
• High-volume, low-complexity work
• Agent sub-agents

Hybrid Workflows

Recommended Pattern

Use models in sequence based on task complexity:

1. Haiku: Setup, simple transforms
2. Sonnet: Main implementation
3. Opus: Review, complex decisions

Example Workflow

## Multi-Model Workflow

1. **Planning (Opus)**: Generate detailed plan with architecture decisions
2. **Implementation (Sonnet)**: Execute plan step-by-step
3. **Quick Tasks (Haiku)**: Handle simple sub-tasks during implementation
4. **Review (Opus)**: Final code review and quality check

Extended Thinking

Model Behavior

Prompting for Thinking

For Opus/Sonnet with extended thinking:

Think deeply about this problem. Consider multiple approaches.
Try different methods if your first approach doesn't work.
Before finishing, verify with test cases and fix any issues.

Avoid over-prescriptive thinking steps — Claude's creativity often exceeds human-prescribed patterns.