Claude guide

Use Claude Code: start your first task in a practice folder

4 min readUpdated Skillshop operator and creator of the Maker Evan YouTube channel

Translated from Korean. View original. Some screenshots are available in Korean only.

Claude Code is an AI tool that can read and edit files in a project and run commands. This guide starts in a terminal. Practice by listing files in a practice folder, creating a new file and inspecting changes yourself.

Browse relevant skills and examples on Skillshop.

View original Korean screenshot
스킬샵 코딩 카테고리 화면. 바이브코딩 스타터킷을 비롯한 코딩 스킬 카드가 격자로 놓여 있다.
스킬샵에서 관련 작업의 스킬과 사용 예시를 살펴볼 수 있어요.

What can Claude Code do?

Claude Code can read and edit code in a working folder and run commands. It can also handle non-coding work such as organizing documents and converting files, and accepts requests in Korean.

Capabilities depend on available tools and permissions. This guide uses a terminal; consult the official instructions for installation and supported environments.

Web chat
  • Results appear as text in the conversation
  • You copy and paste them
  • Access varies with uploads and connections
Claude Code
  • Results can be saved as changed files
  • Manual copying may be unnecessary
  • It can read the working folder
Claude Code can read and edit project files and run commands.

Prepare an account and practice folder

Consult the official documentation for the installation method and account for your operating system. If a terminal is new to you, first learn where to enter commands and how to move into the working folder.

Copy a few non-sensitive files into a practice folder. Check that you are in that folder before starting, and try changes to important originals on copies first.

Command windowPrepare a terminal and installation environment for your operating system.
AccountFollow the official installation and plan guidance; these change often.
Working folderYour launch location is the working target. Start with a practice folder.
Check installation and account requirements in the official documentation.
Install Claude Code in Anthropic's English documentation
An example from the official documentation. Check the linked current instructions for setup.Source: Claude Code documentation
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View original Korean screenshot
Claude Code 설치 절에 네이티브 설치·Homebrew·WinGet 탭이 있고, macOS·리눅스·WSL 은 curl 한 줄, 윈도우는 PowerShell 과 CMD 용 명령이 따로 붙어 있다.
공식 문서의 화면 예시예요. 현재 설정은 연결된 공식 안내에서 확인해 주세요.출처: 클로드 코드 공식 문서 · 빠른 시작

Try reading, creating and editing files in order

Start with a read-only request such as “List the files in this folder and explain their purposes. Do not change any files.” Check which files the AI says it inspected.

Next ask it to create one new document, then open it yourself. Before modifying existing files, keep a copy or version history and compare the before and after.

STEP 1ReadStart by asking it only to inspect.
STEP 2CreateMake one new file, then open and check it.
STEP 3EditPrepare a way to undo the change before starting.
Begin with a request to list and explain files without editing them.

Specify the inputs and output format

“Combine the CSVs in this folder and save result.csv” defines the scope more clearly than “organize my data.” Include files it must not change and conditions to verify.

If the result is wrong, identify a specific fix, such as “Format the date column as YYYY-MM-DD.” Divide large tasks into stages whose intermediate results you can inspect.

What not to doName folders and formats that must not be touched.
What to verifySpecify checkable conditions such as row counts or tests.
One step at a timeDivide work into units whose results can be checked.
Name inputs and outputs, such as combining CSVs into result.csv.

Check files, instructions, results and permissions

If a file is missing, check the current folder and requested path. If an important instruction was not followed, inspect which document was read and its scope.

Do not rely on a completion message alone; open the generated file. When asked for permission, read what command will affect which files or external services before proceeding.

Wrong folderCheckStart with the location where it ran.
Long conversationLost rulesCheck that important instructions are still applied.
Claim differs from resultInspectOpen the file even if it says it was changed.
Everything allowedRiskWithout an approval step, actions may go unnoticed.
If a file cannot be found, check the current folder and requested path.

Review actions that affect the outside world

New drafts and file organization are relatively easy to inspect and correct. Sending email, public posting, payment and deletion need a review of their targets and results.

If you repeatedly explain the same boundaries, write them in CLAUDE.md for future tasks. An instruction file helps, but important execution results still need to be checked.

People decideSet the task’s purpose and scope first.
Review before actingCheck targets and results for sending, payment, publication and deletion.
Tasks to delegateNew files, formatting and drafts can be inspected and corrected.
New drafts and organized files are relatively easy to inspect and correct.

Save repeated requests as a skill

If you repeat the same prerequisites and steps, record them in SKILL.md: when to use the skill, the input, the desired output and how to check it.

Put the skill folder in a supported location and actually invoke it. When sharing with a team, include required programs and example inputs so a new user can follow along.

Repeated explanationGather requests you explain repeatedly.
Write a fileRecord the procedure in SKILL.md with necessary references.
The tool reads itConsult the file before beginning the work.
Share with the teamUpdates can inform subsequent work.
Record repeated inputs and procedures in SKILL.md.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to start using Claude Code?

Check official installation and account guidance for your operating system. If you are new to the terminal, learn to enter commands and move between folders. Copy non-sensitive files into a practice folder and confirm your current location.

What should I ask it to do first?

Start read-only: ask it to list the files and their purposes without editing them. Next create a new file and open it. Before modifying existing files, keep a copy or version history and compare changes.

Where do beginners commonly get stuck?

If files are missing, check the current folder and path. If an instruction was ignored, check which document was read and its scope. Open result files yourself and read what a permission request would affect.

Sources