docs: Add token estimation legend with methodology explanation

Add comprehensive Token Estimation Legend section explaining:
- Base calculation methodology (~1 token ≈ 4 chars)
- Token ranges by feature type with what's included
- Scope recommendations (User/Project/Directory/Built-in)
- Context budget tips for optimal usage
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Luong NGUYEN
2026-01-15 14:42:56 +01:00
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> Quick reference guide to all Claude Code features: commands, agents, skills, plugins, and hooks.
**Navigation**: [Commands](#-slash-commands) | [Sub-Agents](#-sub-agents) | [Skills](#-skills) | [Plugins](#-plugins) | [MCP Servers](#-mcp-servers) | [Hooks](#-hooks)
**Navigation**: [Commands](#-slash-commands) | [Sub-Agents](#-sub-agents) | [Skills](#-skills) | [Plugins](#-plugins) | [MCP Servers](#-mcp-servers) | [Hooks](#-hooks) | [Token Legend](#token-estimation-legend)
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## Token Estimation Legend
Each feature table includes **Tokens** and **Scope** columns to help you manage context budget and installation decisions.
### Estimation Methodology
| Factor | Description |
|--------|-------------|
| **Base Calculation** | ~1 token ≈ 4 characters of English text |
| **Markdown Overhead** | YAML frontmatter, headers, formatting add ~10-15% |
| **Reference Files** | Skills with multiple files (scripts, templates) include all loadable content |
| **Dynamic Content** | MCP tools and hooks show config overhead only; actual tool calls add more |
### Token Ranges by Feature Type
| Feature Type | Typical Range | What's Included |
|--------------|---------------|-----------------|
| **Commands** | 300-800 | Markdown file content + YAML metadata |
| **Sub-Agents** | 600-1000 | System prompt + tool definitions |
| **Skills** | 1000-3000 | SKILL.md + referenced files (scripts, templates) |
| **Plugins** | 4000-6000 | All bundled components combined |
| **MCP Servers** | 50-200 | JSON config only (tool schemas loaded on-demand) |
| **Hooks** | 20-50 | Hook config entry (scripts run externally) |
| **Memory** | 200-2000 | Varies by content length (loaded every session) |
### Scope Recommendations
| Scope | Location | Best For |
|-------|----------|----------|
| **User** | `~/.claude/` | Personal preferences, individual workflows |
| **Project** | `.claude/` or `./` | Team standards, shared configurations |
| **Directory** | `./path/to/dir/` | Module-specific rules (memory only) |
| **Built-in** | N/A | Pre-installed, no configuration needed |
### Context Budget Tips
- **Claude's context window**: ~200K tokens (model-dependent)
- **Keep memory files concise**: Every token in CLAUDE.md is loaded every session
- **Skills load on-demand**: Only when auto-invoked, not at startup
- **Plugins are heavy**: Consider installing only what you actively use
- **Use `/context`**: Check current usage anytime
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