Claude Code - Tutorial for Beginners | Code with Beto

Claude Code is an agentic coding tool that runs in your terminal or VS Code, helping you automate coding and file management tasks. I cover how to install Claude Code, authenticate it, and use it to create, find, and remove files, as well as run scripts and open folders.

If you want to boost your productivity by letting an AI agent handle repetitive coding tasks, this tutorial is for you. I also explain how to use the claude.md file to provide persistent context to Claude for better session continuity.

What's inside

Introduction to Claude Code and its capabilities
Installing Claude Code via terminal
Using Claude Code inside VS Code
Authenticating Claude Code with login commands
Managing files with Claude Code (create, find, remove)
Running scripts and controlling devices with Claude
Opening folders and multiple Claude instances
The claude.md file for persistent context

Introduction to Claude Code and its capabilities

Claude Code is more than a chatbot - it’s an AI agent that can code, create and organize files, run commands, and even create pull requests. It operates as a CLI (command line interface) tool, meaning you interact with it through your terminal or integrated terminal in VS Code.

It excels at automating repetitive tasks and managing your project files, making it a powerful assistant for developers. Claude Code can also live code applications and handle complex workflows beyond simple coding.

Installing Claude Code via terminal

To install Claude Code, you run a single command in your terminal or PowerShell on Windows. This command downloads and sets up Claude on your computer. After installation, you get a success message confirming it’s ready to use.

You can use the default terminal on your computer or the integrated terminal in VS Code. I show how to find and open your terminal on Mac and Windows, then run the installation command.

Using Claude Code inside VS Code

VS Code is a great environment to use Claude Code because it combines coding tools with an integrated terminal and agentic AI features. After installing VS Code and Claude Code, you can open your project folder and run Claude commands directly inside VS Code’s terminal.

VS Code also lets you open hidden folders like the workspace folder where Claude stores its files. This workspace is where Claude performs its tasks and manages files it creates or modifies.

After installation, you need to authenticate Claude Code to allow it to run commands on your computer. You do this by running the command inside the Claude CLI.

The login process may prompt you to grant access permissions. Once authenticated, Claude can execute commands securely. I show how to trigger the login command and handle any errors or permission dialogs.

Managing files with Claude Code (create, find, remove)

Claude Code can create new files, find existing ones, and remove files on your behalf. For example, you can ask Claude to create a to-do list file or find a script you can’t locate.

I demonstrate creating a file, then removing it on command. Claude organizes files inside your workspace folder but can work anywhere you run it. This file management automation saves time on manual file operations.

Running scripts and controlling devices with Claude

Claude can also run scripts stored in your project. I show how Claude finds scripts for toggling lights and runs commands to turn them on or off.

This capability means you can control devices or automate workflows by simply asking Claude to execute scripts, making it a versatile assistant beyond coding.

Opening folders and multiple Claude instances

You can ask Claude to open folders in VS Code, which it does by launching a new window positioned in the requested directory. I also show running multiple Claude instances simultaneously in different terminals to handle parallel tasks.

This flexibility lets you multitask and manage different parts of your project with separate Claude sessions.

The claude.md file for persistent context

The file is a special file that provides persistent context to Claude across sessions. It can include information about your project, brand, or preferences that Claude uses to tailor its responses and actions.

This file helps Claude remember important details so you don’t have to repeat context every time you start a new session, improving efficiency and accuracy.

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Claude Code - Tutorial for Beginners