model-selection

Model Selection

Core Principles

Match model to complexity, not size — A 50-file refactor that follows a clear pattern is a Sonnet task (high throughput, simple logic). A 3-file architecture decision with trade-offs is an Opus task (deep reasoning). File count and complexity are orthogonal.
Sonnet is the workhorse — 80% of .NET development tasks are routine: implement a feature following an established pattern, write tests, fix a known bug, run scaffolding. Sonnet 4.6 handles all of these at higher speed and lower cost.
Opus is the architect — Use Opus 4.6 for tasks that require weighing trade-offs, reasoning about system design, debugging subtle issues, or making decisions with incomplete information. Opus excels when the answer isn't obvious.
Context window is a budget, not a dumping ground — Sonnet 4.6's large context window enables working with big codebases but doesn't mean you should load everything. Apply context-discipline principles regardless of model. A focused Sonnet session outperforms a bloated one.
Haiku for fire-and-forget subagents — When a subagent does a simple lookup, runs a script, or fetches information, Haiku 4.5 is fast and cheap. Reserve heavier models for subagents that need to reason.

Patterns

Task Complexity Assessment

Classify each task to select the right model:

ROUTINE TASKS → Sonnet 4.6
- Implement a feature following an existing pattern
- Write tests for existing code
- Fix a bug with a clear stack trace
- Add a new endpoint matching the project's convention
- Run scaffolding or code generation
- Apply a known refactoring pattern
- Format, lint, or fix build errors
- Write documentation from existing code

COMPLEX TASKS → Opus 4.6
- Design a new module or subsystem from scratch
- Choose between architecture approaches (VSA vs CA vs DDD)
- Debug a subtle issue with no clear stack trace
- Refactor with trade-offs (performance vs readability, consistency vs simplicity)
- Review architecture for design flaws
- Make decisions with incomplete or conflicting requirements
- Untangle complex dependencies or circular references
- Write a migration strategy for breaking changes

SIMPLE TASKS → Haiku 4.5 (subagents only)
- Look up a file path or symbol location
- Run a build/test and report results
- Search for a pattern across files
- Summarize a file or module
- Format or validate data

Model Switching Workflow

The most effective pattern: Opus plans, Sonnet executes, Opus reviews.

PHASE 1: PLAN (Opus 4.6)
├── Analyze requirements and constraints
├── Identify architectural trade-offs
├── Design the approach with rationale
├── Define acceptance criteria
└── Output: detailed implementation plan

PHASE 2: EXECUTE (Sonnet 4.6)
├── Implement following the Opus plan
├── Write code, tests, configurations
├── Run build and test verification
├── Handle routine issues (compilation errors, test fixes)
└── Output: working implementation

PHASE 3: REVIEW (Opus 4.6)
├── Review implementation against the plan
├── Check for subtle issues (race conditions, N+1, security)
├── Evaluate architectural compliance
├── Suggest refinements
└── Output: approval or specific revision requests

How to switch in practice:

Claude Code CLI:
- /model opus    → Switch to Opus 4.6 (planning/review phases)
- /model sonnet  → Switch to Sonnet 4.6 (implementation phase)
- /model auto    → Let Claude Code choose based on task

Toggle fast mode:
- /fast          → Toggle fast mode (Opus fast output for throughput)

Subagent Model Assignment

Assign models to subagents based on task complexity:

SUBAGENT: "Find all authentication middleware in the project"
→ MODEL: Haiku 4.5
→ WHY: Simple search task, no reasoning required

SUBAGENT: "Run dotnet test and summarize failures"
→ MODEL: Haiku 4.5
→ WHY: Execute command, parse output, no complex analysis

SUBAGENT: "Analyze the dependency graph for circular references and suggest fixes"
→ MODEL: Sonnet 4.6
→ WHY: Needs to understand project structure and propose solutions

SUBAGENT: "Review this PR for architectural issues and security vulnerabilities"
→ MODEL: Opus 4.6
→ WHY: Deep reasoning about trade-offs, subtle issue detection

SUBAGENT: "Summarize what the Orders module does"
→ MODEL: Haiku 4.5 or Sonnet 4.6
→ WHY: Haiku for a quick overview, Sonnet if the module is complex

Anti-patterns

Using Opus for Simple Tasks

// BAD — Opus for a routine CRUD endpoint
Using Opus 4.6 to implement GetOrderById following the exact same pattern
as the existing GetCustomerById. No decisions to make, just pattern replication.
*Slower and more expensive than needed*

// GOOD — Sonnet for pattern replication
Using Sonnet 4.6 to implement GetOrderById. The pattern is established,
the code is straightforward, and Sonnet executes it faster.

Using Sonnet for Architecture Decisions

// BAD — Sonnet for "should we use VSA or Clean Architecture?"
Sonnet gives a reasonable answer but may miss nuanced trade-offs
about team size, domain complexity, and long-term maintenance.
*The wrong architecture costs months of refactoring*

// GOOD — Opus for architectural decisions
Opus weighs team size, domain complexity, current codebase patterns,
and long-term implications. The architecture decision is worth the
extra reasoning power.

Same Model for All Subagents

// BAD — all subagents use Opus
5 subagents running Opus 4.6:
- "Find OrderService.cs" (Haiku could do this)
- "Run dotnet test" (Haiku could do this)
- "Summarize the Catalog module" (Haiku/Sonnet could do this)
- "Analyze circular dependencies" (Sonnet is sufficient)
- "Review architecture for security issues" (Opus is appropriate)
*4 out of 5 subagents are using more model than needed*

// GOOD — model matches subagent task
- "Find OrderService.cs" → Haiku 4.5
- "Run dotnet test" → Haiku 4.5
- "Summarize the Catalog module" → Haiku 4.5
- "Analyze circular dependencies" → Sonnet 4.6
- "Review architecture for security issues" → Opus 4.6

Decision Guide

Scenario	Model	Rationale
Plan a new feature or module	Opus 4.6	Requires weighing trade-offs
Implement a feature following existing patterns	Sonnet 4.6	Pattern replication, high throughput
Debug a subtle intermittent issue	Opus 4.6	Requires deep reasoning about state/timing
Fix a compilation error	Sonnet 4.6	Clear error, mechanical fix
Write tests for existing code	Sonnet 4.6	Test patterns are established
Architecture review / PR review	Opus 4.6	Subtle issues need deep analysis
Code review for anti-patterns	Sonnet 4.6	Pattern matching, well-defined rules
Refactor across many files (same pattern)	Sonnet 4.6	Volume + consistency, not deep reasoning
Design database schema from requirements	Opus 4.6	Normalization trade-offs, domain modeling
Subagent: file lookup or search	Haiku 4.5	Simple task, fast and cheap
Subagent: summarize a module	Haiku 4.5	Straightforward reading + compression
Subagent: analyze dependencies	Sonnet 4.6	Needs to reason about structure
Working in a very large codebase	Sonnet 4.6	Large context window + discipline
End-of-day wrap-up / handoff	Sonnet 4.6	Structured capture, no deep reasoning