Claude Code is Anthropic's terminal-based AI coding tool. You type what you want to build in plain English, and it writes the code, creates files, and runs commands for you — all from your terminal. No code editor needed.
What makes Claude Code different
Claude Code works entirely in your terminal — no code editor needed. It can read your entire project, create and edit files, run commands, and even deploy for you. Best for people who want full control over their project.
Go to claude.ai and create an account. Claude Code is available with a Pro subscription ($20/month) or you can use the free tier with limited usage.
Open Terminal on Mac, Command Prompt or PowerShell on Windows, or your preferred terminal. Navigate to the folder where you want your project to live.
Run 'claude' in your terminal to start a session. Then describe what you want to build in plain English. Claude Code will create files, install packages, and set everything up for you.
1. Build your first project
"Create a personal portfolio website with a hero section, about me, projects grid, and contact form. Use Next.js and Tailwind CSS with a clean modern design."
2. Add a feature
"Add a dark mode toggle to my site. Use next-themes and make it persist across page refreshes."
3. Deploy it
"Deploy this project to Vercel. Walk me through the steps."
Instead of 'make a website', say 'create a portfolio with a hero section, 3-column project grid, and a contact form with name, email, and message fields.'
Build one feature at a time. Get the layout right first, then add functionality, then style it. Don't try to build everything in one prompt.
After the first result, say things like 'make the hero section taller' or 'change the color scheme to blue and white'. Claude Code remembers context.
If something breaks, paste the full error message. Claude Code can read your project files and fix issues in place.
If you want to learn, say 'explain what this code does' or 'why did you use useEffect here?' Claude Code is a great teacher too.
Make sure you're in the right directory before starting. Claude Code works on whatever folder you're in.
Claude Code will ask permission before creating or modifying files. Review the changes and approve them.
Most web projects need Node.js. If you don't have it, ask Claude Code: 'help me install Node.js on my Mac/Windows'.
