Chapter 03 · WEB
Models, effort and extended thinking
Model selection and effort are separate decisions. The model determines the model family and capabilities; effort or extended thinking adjusts how Claude approaches a task where supported. More thinking does not guarantee correctness.
Video
Steps
- Open the model picker and inspect what your plan offers. Names and models change. Prefer the live list over a name from an old video.
- Match model and speed to the work: a short draft is different from a multistep analysis. Check whether the selected model offers effort, extended thinking or other controls.
- Try the same task with two settings. Compare quality, latency and the corrections needed. Ask for an explanation you can verify, rather than treating everything shown during thinking as a final conclusion.
- Review usage and account limits. A Claude subscription and an API account are separate billing products. Do not enable paid extra usage without understanding the cost.
Common pitfall: Do not choose a model just because its name sounds newer. Availability and controls change, and billing differs across products.
Hands-on exercise: Solve a small planning problem with two available settings. Record what improved and what did not, without changing billing settings.
Filmed demo · Video is added in the media phase
Recap
Comprehension check
Does a higher effort setting verify Claude's answer?
Recap
- Model and effort are different controls
- Check the options in your live account
- Subscription and API billing are separate