What is Claude Code?

Understand what Claude Code is and what makes it special

What is Claude Code?

Claude Code is a terminal-based AI coding assistant made by Anthropic. Think of it as having an expert developer sitting next to you, but in your terminal.

How It's Different

You might have used ChatGPT or Claude in a browser. Claude Code is different:

Browser AI	Claude Code
Copy/paste code back and forth	Directly edits your files
You describe your project	It sees your actual code
Manual file management	Creates files for you
Tab switching	Stays in your terminal

Tip

Claude Code doesn't just suggest code - it can read, write, and run code on your computer with your permission.

What Can It Do?

Terminal

$ claude "Add a login page to my app"

▌

Claude Code can:

✅ Read your existing code
✅ Create new files
✅ Edit existing files
✅ Run terminal commands
✅ Install packages
✅ Debug errors
✅ Explain code
✅ Refactor projects

Warning

Claude Code asks permission before making changes. You stay in control!

The Workflow

Terminal

# 1. Navigate to your project

$ cd my-project

# 2. Start Claude Code

$ claude

# 3. Ask for what you want

> Build a todo list with local storage

# 4. Review and approve changes

Claude: I'll create these files:

- index.html

- styles.css

- app.js

Proceed? (y/n)

# 5. Done! Your code is ready.

▌

Aussie Note

It's like pair programming with an AI. You're the driver, Claude's the navigator. No more StackOverflow rabbit holes! 🐰

Why Learn This?

Speed - Build in hours, not days
Learning - Claude explains as it codes
Quality - Get production-ready code
Australian Context - Add our skills for local knowledge!

Prerequisites

Before installing Claude Code, you need:

✅ Terminal basics (you just learned these!)
✅ Node.js installed (we'll cover this)
✅ An Anthropic account (free to start)

Key Takeaways

Claude Code runs in your terminal
It directly reads and edits your files
You approve all changes before they happen
It's like having an expert developer on call 24/7

Module 1 Quiz

Installing Claude Code