Models
Interleaved Thinking
A Claude capability that lets the model think between tool calls within a single assistant turn, reasoning about each tool result before deciding what to do next.
In depth
A Claude capability that lets the model think between tool calls within a single assistant turn, reasoning about each tool result before deciding what to do next. Without it, the model reasons once up front and then chains tool calls without reflecting on intermediate results. With adaptive thinking it is automatic on supported models, while older models on manual extended thinking needed the interleaved-thinking-2025-05-14 beta header. It matters most for agents that make many dependent tool calls.
Primary source: platform.claude.com
Example
In practice, developers reach for Interleaved Thinking when they need the capability described above as part of an AI feature or workflow.
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FAQ
Common questions
What is Interleaved Thinking?
A Claude capability that lets the model think between tool calls within a single assistant turn, reasoning about each tool result before deciding what to do next.
Why does Interleaved Thinking matter for AI developers?
Interleaved Thinking sits in the Models part of the AI stack. Understanding it helps you make better decisions when building, debugging, and shipping AI features.
Where can I learn more about Interleaved Thinking?
Developers Digest publishes tutorials and videos that cover Models topics including Interleaved Thinking. Check the blog and YouTube channel for hands-on walkthroughs.
Related
Related terms
Models
Hybrid Reasoning Model
A single model that can either answer directly or think at length before answering, instead of shipping separate chat and reasoning models.
Models
Adaptive Thinking
A Claude feature where the model decides how much to reason based on task difficulty rather than a fixed thinking budget.
Models
Extended Thinking
A Claude feature that gives the model a dedicated thinking phase before producing its visible response.
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