Track 6 · Practitioner Setup

Set Up Claude Code and Start Shipping in 10 Minutes

Your first project. 20 minutes.

Claude Code is Anthropic's agentic CLI. It lives in your terminal, reads your entire codebase, and handles multi-file edits, testing, and commits. This guide covers installation through a fully configured CLAUDE.md that makes Claude useful on day one.

Get the MasterclassBook a Setup Call

Or follow the free guide below to set up on your own

Setting up Claude Code requires Node.js 18+ and an Anthropic API key or Claude subscription. Install globally with npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code, authenticate with claude login, and create a CLAUDE.md file in your project root to give Claude context about your codebase.

Step by Step

Get Claude Code running in your project

01
Install Claude Code

Claude Code is an npm package. Install it globally so you can run it from any project directory.

npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
02
Authenticate

Claude Code authenticates via your Anthropic account. Run the command and follow the browser prompt.

claude
# Opens browser auth flow on first run
03
Create CLAUDE.md

CLAUDE.md is the project memory file Claude reads on every session. Document your project's commands, conventions, and context here.

# Project: My App

## Commands
- Build: `npm run build`
- Test: `npm test`
- Lint: `npm run lint`

## Stack
- Next.js 15 + TypeScript
- Supabase (use service_role only behind auth)
- Tailwind CSS

## Style
- Named exports only
- No `any` types — use `unknown` + narrowing
- Parameterized queries only
04
Configure slash commands

Create custom slash commands for repeated workflows. Store them in .claude/commands/ — Claude loads them automatically.

# .claude/commands/review.md
Review the current changes for:
- Security issues (injection, auth gaps)
- TypeScript errors
- Missing error handling
- Rate limiting on public endpoints

CLAUDE.md Anatomy

What goes in your CLAUDE.md

CLAUDE.md is project memory. Claude reads it at the start of every session. A well-written CLAUDE.md eliminates repeating yourself and makes Claude consistently apply your project's standards.

Commands

Build, test, lint, and deploy commands. Claude runs these to verify its own changes.

## Commands
- Build: `npm run build`
- Test: `npm test --watch`
Architecture

Your tech stack, key services, and which patterns you use. Prevents Claude from suggesting incompatible approaches.

## Stack
- Next.js 15 App Router
- Supabase PostgreSQL
- Stripe for payments
Code Style

Your naming conventions, formatting rules, and patterns to follow or avoid.

## Style
- Named exports only
- No `any` types
- Tailwind classes only
Security Rules

Hardcode your security requirements so Claude always applies them without being asked.

## Security
- Rate limit every public endpoint
- Validate all inputs server-side
- No select(*) queries

Want it done right the first time?

Two options for teams and individuals who want expert setup rather than DIY.

Self-Paced
Masterclass
  • ✓Private GitHub repo with pre-built agents
  • ✓Complete CLAUDE.md templates
  • ✓Slash command library
  • ✓All 7 learning tracks unlocked
Get Masterclass
Done-For-You
1:1 Setup Call
Individual Setup
  • ✓Live setup on your actual codebase
  • ✓Custom CLAUDE.md for your project
  • ✓Slash commands built for your workflow
  • ✓Recording to revisit later
Book Setup Call

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to install Claude Code?

You need Node.js 18 or newer and an Anthropic API key or Claude Pro/Max subscription. Install with npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code and authenticate with claude login.

What is CLAUDE.md?

CLAUDE.md is the project configuration file that gives Claude Code persistent context about your codebase. It describes your tech stack, coding conventions, build commands, and project rules.

Does Claude Code work on Windows?

Claude Code runs on macOS and Linux natively. On Windows, it works through WSL2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux). It also runs in Docker containers and CI/CD pipelines.

What is the best CLAUDE.md configuration?

A good CLAUDE.md includes your tech stack, build and test commands, coding conventions, file structure overview, and any project-specific rules. Keep it under 500 lines and update it as your project evolves. Claude reads it automatically at every session start.

Can I use Claude Code with an existing IDE?

Yes. Claude Code runs in a terminal alongside any IDE. Many developers use it in a split-screen setup with VS Code or another editor. Claude Code edits files directly on disk, so changes appear instantly in your IDE. There is no plugin or extension required.

Start free, upgrade when ready

Track 6 is free. Masterclass unlocks the full Claude Code course.

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