[BUG] Hints advertise `btw-side-question` feature, which doesn't seem to work and isn't documented
Preflight Checklist
- [x] I have searched existing issues and this hasn't been reported yet
- [x] This is a single bug report (please file separate reports for different bugs)
- [x] I am using the latest version of Claude Code
What's Wrong?
I was using Claude Code, and I got a note that said "Start with 'btw' to ask a quick side question without interrupting Claude's current work".
When I tried using the feature, my prompts just did the same thing as ordinary messages, including queuing messages that I send while Claude is spinning on something. I don't know exactly how the feature is supposed to function, but I found it in the executable via strings:
[taylor@fedora-43 versions]$ strings /var/home/taylor/.local/lib/distrobox/fedora-43/.local/share/claude/versions/2.0.74 | grep -F btw
...
btw for side question
^btw\b\s*
^btw\b
btw-side-question
Start with 'btw' to ask a quick side question without interrupting Claude's current work
...
I have versions 2.0.67 and 2.0.73 installed too, and it shows up in 73 but not 67, so it seems to be a feature in progress that isn't finished perhaps? I can't find any documentation on it at all.
What Should Happen?
I expect it to do something specific, or to not advertise a feature that doesn't work and isn't documented.
Claude Model
Opus
Is this a regression?
No, this never worked
Claude Code Version
2.0.74
Platform
Anthropic API
Operating System
Other Linux
Terminal/Shell
Other
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10 Comments
Found 2 possible duplicate issues:
This issue will be automatically closed as a duplicate in 3 days.
🤖 Generated with Claude Code
Hello - got the same "hint," and the same behavior. (claude code 2.0.76)
When googling, I end up here. Is there any documentation on this feature?
A thing that we're experimenting with, more to come. Removing it from hints for now, sorry for the noise.
aww i was so excited about branching chats!
Yes, I also tried this and was disappointed. It would be a great feature!
The hint is still showing up in the current version
I am getting this message
<img width="374" height="149" alt="Image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/e3e5d544-9771-4b42-8db7-9d405d2ce5ec" />
and the TUI did mention "Start with 'btw' to ask a quick side question without interrupting Claude's current work"
It is also mentioned in the docs: https://code.claude.com/docs/en/interactive-mode#side-questions-with-%2Fbtw
Also happens to me, Windows-native Claude Code CLI 2.1.74.
Closing as this is released and documented https://code.claude.com/docs/en/interactive-mode#side-questions-with-/btw
thanks!