Lesson 1: What is Claude Code?

Zero codingYou will not write a single line of code. Ever.

Plain EnglishIf you can text a friend, you can do this.

5-minute readTiny lesson, big result. Save it and follow along.

Let's get you set up

Three quick steps

Tap any black box to copy it.

Get Claude Code

Open Chrome or Safari, go to this site, then download and install:

Open in your browser
claude.com/download

Prefer the Terminal? It's an app already on your computer. On a Mac, search "Terminal". On Windows, search "PowerShell". Paste one of these and press Enter:

Mac or Linux
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash

Windows PowerShell
irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex
Open it and sign in

Open the app and sign in. You'll need a Claude Pro or Max plan. Used the Terminal? Start it with:

Run in the Terminal
claude

Make your first thing

Type your wish. Paste this to start:

Your first prompt

Build me a cute one-page landing page for my coffee brand. Soft pastel colours, a big friendly headline, a sign-up button, and a little about-me section. Make it gorgeous.

Be specific. Be delusional. Your yap is your superpower.

Okay, but what is it?

A super-smart friend inside your computer

Claude Code is like a super-smart friend who lives inside your computer. You tell it what you want, in normal everyday words, and it builds it for you.

Explain it like I'm 5?

It's a magic helper. You tell it your wish ("make me a website for my bakery") and it makes the thing appear, right in front of you. You watch it happen. No spells required.

Wait, is this just the Claude chat?

Same brain, two different jobs

Chatting with Claude

You chat, it talks back. Like texting a genius friend. Great for answers, ideas and advice.

It tells you things

Claude Code

It doesn't just talk. It builds. Websites, files, tools: it actually makes the thing, live.

It makes things

"Zero coding skills, and I use Claude better than most engineers."Wendy, your AI Bestie

A little taste

So what can it make for you?

WebsitesA gorgeous site for your business, brand or big idea.

Little appsTools, trackers and calculators made just for you.

Tidy your filesSort, rename and organise the mess in seconds.

ContentPosts, captions, graphics and ideas on tap.

Fix stuffBroken thing? Describe it. It troubleshoots.

Boring tasksThe repetitive stuff, done for you.

The only skill you actually need

Knowing what you want. That's it. The more you describe, the better it builds. So be specific, be delusional, dream big.

The road ahead

Lesson 01What is Claude Code? Lesson 02Claude in VS Code Lesson 05Sort your trip photos Lesson 21Spot the AI scammer

Next: Claude in VS Code →

What is Claude Code?

Three quick steps

Get Claude Code

Open it and sign in

Make your first thing

A super-smart friend inside your computer

Same brain, two different jobs

Chatting with Claude

Claude Code

So what can it make for you?

One useful AI thing a week