Atlas · Audience
Beginners
What using Claude Code actually looks like
Using Claude Code is a loop: ask, change, check, decide. Here is what a normal session looks like, six commands worth learning first, and how to recover when it goes wrong.
Giving Claude Code better instructions
Give Claude Code the problem, relevant context, and the result you expect. A specific instruction reduces guessing, but you still need to review the result.
How Claude Code sees your files
The folder where you start Claude Code is its main working directory. Keep one project in scope, then add other directories only when the task needs them.
Your first conversation with Claude Code
Create a separate practice folder, then use three prompts to inspect it, create a file, and edit that file while reviewing each action.
Installing Claude Code without the old Node.js setup
Install Claude Code with Anthropic's current native installer on Windows, macOS, or Linux. No Node.js, no npm, and the fixes for when the command is not found.
Opening the terminal for the first time
You need four terminal actions to start Claude Code: open it, run a command, move to the project folder, and close it when you are done.
Meet your AI assistant that actually does things
Claude Code can inspect a project, use development tools, and apply approved changes. Your job is to decide what should happen and check the result.