Complete Beginner's Guide

Claude Code for Absolute Beginners

The Simple Guide to Get You Started

10
Parts
30 min
Read Time
Zero
Prerequisites

Part 1: Computer Basics First

What is a Computer Terminal?

Think of your computer like a house:

  • Desktop: The living room where you see all your stuff (icons, folders)
  • Applications: Different rooms with specific purposes (browser, calculator)
  • Terminal: The basement control room where you can control EVERYTHING

The terminal (also called "command line") is a text-based way to talk to your computer. Instead of clicking buttons, you type commands.

How to Open the Terminal

Windows

  1. 1. Click the Start button (Windows logo in bottom-left corner)
  2. 2. Type "cmd" or "PowerShell"
  3. 3. Press Enter
  4. 4. A black or blue window appears - that's your terminal!

Mac

  1. 1. Press Command + Space (opens Spotlight search)
  2. 2. Type "Terminal"
  3. 3. Press Enter
  4. 4. A white or black window appears - that's your terminal!

Linux

  1. 1. Press Ctrl + Alt + T
  2. 2. Terminal opens automatically

Your First Terminal Commands

Try these simple commands (type them and press Enter):

Windows

dir

Shows what's in your current folder

cd Desktop

Moves to your Desktop folder

echo Hello

Makes the computer say "Hello" back

Mac/Linux

ls

Shows what's in your current folder

cd Desktop

Moves to your Desktop folder

echo Hello

Makes the computer say "Hello" back

Part 2: What is Claude Code?

Simple Explanation

Claude Code is like having a super-smart coding assistant that lives in your terminal. Instead of you writing code, you describe what you want, and Claude writes it for you.

Regular Coding

You type every line of code yourself

Claude Code

You say "make me a website" and Claude creates all the code

What Can Claude Code Do?

Create websites

Build apps

Fix broken code

Explain how code works

Automate boring tasks

Write scripts and programs

"Think of it as having an expert programmer sitting next to you, ready to help 24/7."

Part 3: Before Installing Claude Code

What You Need

1

A Computer

  • Windows 10 or newer
  • Mac (any from last 10 years)
  • Linux (any modern version)
2

Internet Connection

  • Claude Code needs internet to work
  • Regular home internet is fine
3

An Anthropic Account

  • Go to www.claude.ai
  • Click "Sign Up" if you don't have an account, or "Sign In" if you do
  • Use your email address
  • Verify your email (check your inbox)
4

Claude Pro Subscription (Required for Claude Code)

  • Once logged in to Claude.ai, click "Upgrade to Pro"
  • $20/month subscription
  • Gives you access to Claude Code and higher usage limits
  • Claude Code is only available with Claude Pro and Claude Max
5

A Text Editor (Optional but Helpful)

Windows:

Notepad (already installed) or download Visual Studio Code

Mac:

TextEdit (already installed) or download Visual Studio Code

Linux:

Gedit or Nano (usually installed) or download Visual Studio Code

Ready to Check?

If you have all 5 items above, you're ready to install Claude Code!

Part 4: Installing Claude Code

Step by Step

For Windows Users

RECOMMENDED

Option 1: Easiest Method - Native Installer

  1. 1

    Open PowerShell as Administrator:

    • • Right-click Start button
    • • Click "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" or "Terminal (Admin)"
    • • Click "Yes" when asked for permission
  2. 2

    Copy and paste this command:

    irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex
  3. 3

    Press Enter

  4. 4

    Wait for installation (1-2 minutes)

  5. That's it! Claude Code is installed

Option 2: Using NPM (Alternative Method)

If the above doesn't work, try this:

  1. 1

    First, install Node.js:

    • • Go to: nodejs.org
    • • Click the big green button (LTS version)
    • • Download and install it
    • • IMPORTANT: Keep all default settings
  2. 2

    Open Command Prompt (Start → type "cmd" → Enter)

  3. 3

    Install Claude Code:

    npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
  4. 4

    Press Enter and wait (1-2 minutes)

For Mac Users

RECOMMENDED

Option 1: Easiest Method - Native Installer

  1. 1

    Open Terminal (Command + Space → type "Terminal" → Enter)

  2. 2

    Copy and paste this command:

    curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash
  3. 3

    Press Enter

  4. 4

    Wait for installation (1-2 minutes)

  5. Done! Claude Code is installed

Alternative Methods

Option 2: Using Homebrew

brew install --cask claude-code

Option 3: Using NPM

First install Node.js from nodejs.org if you don't have it, then:

npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

Setting Up Claude Code

All Systems

First Time Setup

  1. 1

    Navigate to your project folder (or Desktop to start):

    Windows:

    cd Desktop

    Mac/Linux:

    cd ~/Desktop
  2. 2

    Open Terminal 

  3. 3

    Type in Claude and hit enter

    claude
  4. 4

    First time only: You'll see authentication options:

    EASIEST

    Option A: Claude Pro Subscription

    • Choose "Claude App (with Pro or Max plan)"
    • It opens your browser
    • Log in with your Claude.ai account
    • Click "Authorize"
    • Go back to terminal - you're connected!

  5. That's it! You're ready to use Claude Code

🎉 Congratulations!

You've successfully installed and set up Claude Code!

Part 5: Using Claude Code for the First Time

Starting Claude Code

  1. 1

    Open your terminal/command prompt

  2. 2

    Navigate to where you want to work:

    • Type cd Desktop to work on your Desktop

    • Or cd Documents to work in Documents

  3. 3

    Type:

    claude
  4. 4

    Press Enter

  5. Claude Code starts! You'll see a welcome message

Your First Claude Code Project

Example 1

Create a Simple Website
  1. 1. After starting Claude Code, type:
  2. Create a simple personal website with my name, a photo placeholder, and a short bio
  3. 2. Press Enter
  4. 3. Watch as Claude creates the files!
  5. 4. When done, Claude will tell you how to view your website

Example 2

Create a To-Do List App
  1. 1. Type:
  2. Build a simple to-do list app where I can add items, mark them complete, and delete them
  3. 2. Press Enter
  4. 3. Claude creates all the necessary files
  5. 4. Follow Claude's instructions to run it

Understanding What Claude Code Shows You

When Claude works, you'll see:

  • File names being created (like "index.html", "style.css")
  • Code being written (don't worry if you don't understand it!)
  • Explanations of what it's doing
  • Instructions for running or viewing your project

Helpful Slash Commands

Most Important Commands

/help

Shows all available commands

/clear

Clears conversation and starts fresh

/cost

Shows how much you've spent

/model

Switch between Claude models

Working with Files

@filename

Reference a specific file

@folder/

Reference a whole folder

Claude can see and edit any file in your current directory

Tips for Talking to Claude Code

Be Natural and Specific

"Make the button blue and bigger"

"Add a contact form at the bottom"

"Fix the error I'm seeing"

"Make this work on mobile phones"

Claude Understands Context

  • • "Change the color to red" (Claude knows what you're talking about)
  • • "Make it bigger" (Claude understands from context)
  • • "Add another one" (Claude gets it)

Iterative Development

  1. 1. Start simple: "Create a button"
  2. 2. Add features: "Make it blue"
  3. 3. Refine: "Add rounded corners"
  4. 4. Expand: "Add three more buttons below it"

"You don't need to understand how a car engine works to drive"

Focus on what you want to create, not how the code works

Part 6: Common Problems & Solutions

"command not found" or "'claude' is not recognized"

Solution:

  • • Make sure you installed Claude Code correctly
  • • On Windows, try closing and reopening your terminal
  • • On Mac/Linux, try source ~/.bashrc or restart Terminal
  • • If using npm installation, make sure npm's global folder is in your PATH

Authentication Failed

Solution:

  • • If using Claude Pro/Max: Make sure your subscription is active
  • • If using API: Check that your API key is correct
  • • Try logging out with /logout and logging back in

"Rate limit exceeded"

Solution:

  • • Wait a minute - limits reset quickly
  • • Consider upgrading your plan if this happens often
  • • Break large requests into smaller pieces

Connection error

Solution:

  • • Check your internet connection
  • • Try again in a few seconds
  • • Check if Anthropic's service is running at status.anthropic.com

Claude Code seems stuck

Solution:

  1. 1. Press Escape key to interrupt Claude
  2. 2. Ask Claude to "undo" the last changes
  3. 3. Use /clear to start fresh
  4. 4. Be more specific in your request

Files not appearing where expected

Solution:

  • • Check which directory you're in: type pwd (Mac/Linux) or cd (Windows)
  • • Navigate to the right folder before starting Claude
  • • Claude creates files in your current directory

Still stuck? Don't worry! These are common issues everyone faces when starting.

Part 7: Tips for Absolute Beginners

1

Start Small

  • Don't try to build Facebook on day one
  • Start with "make a button that says hello"
  • Then "make the button change color when clicked"
  • Build up gradually
2

Be Specific

Bad: "Make a website"

Good: "Make a website with a blue header, my name in white text, and three sections: About, Projects, Contact"

3

Save Your Work

  • • Create a folder for each project
  • • Name folders clearly: "my-first-website", "todo-app", etc.
  • • Claude Code saves files automatically, but know where they are!
4

It's Okay to Not Understand the Code

  • • You don't need to understand how a car engine works to drive
  • • Focus on what you want to create, not how the code works
  • • Understanding comes with time
5

Use Simple Language

  • • Claude Code understands plain English
  • • "Make the text bigger" works just as well as technical terms
  • • Describe things like you would to a friend

Remember: Everyone Starts as a Beginner

Mistakes are how you learn. The terminal won't break your computer. Claude Code is here to help, not judge.

Part 8: Your Learning Path

1

Week 1: Terminal Comfort

  • Practice opening terminal daily
  • Try basic commands (ls, cd, echo)
  • Get comfortable typing instead of clicking
2

Week 2: First Projects

  • Create a simple HTML page
  • Make a basic calculator
  • Build a quote generator
3

Week 3: Adding Features

  • Add colors and styles to your projects
  • Make things interactive (buttons, forms)
  • Create a simple game (like guess the number)
4

Week 4: Real Projects

  • Build something you'll actually use
  • Maybe a recipe keeper, budget tracker, or journal app
  • Share with friends and family!

Your Journey to AI Mastery Starts Here

Take it one week at a time, celebrate small wins, and watch your skills grow!

Week 1

Foundation

Week 2

Practice

Week 3

Enhance

Week 4

Build

Part 9: Getting More Help

Official Resources

Claude Code Documentation

docs.claude.com

Anthropic Support

support.claude.com

Community Forum

community.anthropic.com

When Stuck, Try:

  1. 1

    Asking Claude Code to explain in simpler terms

  2. 2

    Breaking your request into smaller parts

  3. 3

    Looking for similar examples online

  4. 4

    Taking a break and coming back fresh

Remember:

Everyone starts as a beginner

Mistakes are how you learn

The terminal won't break your computer

Claude Code is here to help, not judge

Part 10: Quick Reference Card

Save This Cheat Sheet!

Print this out or save it somewhere easy to find. You'll use these commands all the time!

Every Day Commands

Start Claude Code:

claude

Create something:

create a [describe what you want]

Get help:

/help

Exit Claude Code:

exit

Terminal Basics

See current folder:

pwd (Mac/Linux) or cd (Windows)

List files:

ls (Mac/Linux) or dir (Windows)

Change folder:

cd FolderName

Go to Desktop:

cd Desktop

Most Used Slash Commands

/help

Show commands

/clear

Start fresh

/cost

Check spending

/model

Switch model

💡 Pro Tip: Take a screenshot of this section or print it out for quick reference!

🎉 Congratulations! 🎉

You now know more about Claude Code than 99% of people!

Start small, be patient with yourself, and have fun creating things. Remember: every expert was once a beginner who didn't give up.

Your First Assignment

  1. 1

    Open your terminal

  2. 2

    Start Claude Code

  3. 3

    Type:

    "Create a simple webpage that says 'I did it!' in big letters"

  4. Celebrate - you're now a Claude Code user!

Build

Create amazing projects

Learn

Grow your skills daily

Share

Show the world what you made

Back to Home Read Again

You're Ready to Start Creating!

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." - Lao Tzu