Support model selection via text prompt syntax (e.g., /model sonnet-5)

Preflight Checklist

• [x] I have searched existing requests and this feature hasn't been requested yet
• [x] This is a single feature request (not multiple features)

Problem Statement

Currently, switching between different models (e.g., Sonnet or Haiku) in Claude Code requires exiting the active prompt workflow to change configuration settings or restarting the CLI with different flags. This creates friction when a user wants to quickly test how a different model handles a specific prompt, benchmark responses, or optimize token usage on the fly without disrupting their current terminal session.

Proposed Solution

Introduce a inline command or syntax prefix/suffix directly within the text prompt to temporarily or permanently switch models for that interaction.

For example:

• Using a slash command before the prompt: /model sonnet-5 Explain this code blocks structure.
• Using a trailing flag: Refactor this function --model fable-5

This feature would allow seamless, dynamic model selection instantly within the regular prompt flow, significantly improving developer velocity and testing flexibility.

Alternative Solutions

_No response_

Priority

Critical - Blocking my work

Feature Category

CLI commands and flags

Use Case Example

_No response_

Additional Context

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