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Claude Code Tutorial for Beginners: From Install to First Skill (2026)

By ClaudeCodeSkill Team··9 min read
tutorialbeginnersclaude codegetting startedinstallation

New to Claude Code? This tutorial takes you from zero to productive AI-assisted development. You will install Claude Code, configure your first project, install skills, and understand the core concepts.

Prerequisites

  • - A terminal (macOS Terminal, Windows PowerShell, or Linux shell)
  • - An Anthropic account with a Pro or Max subscription
  • - A code project to work with (any language)

Step 1: Install Claude Code

Claude Code installs via npm. Open your terminal and install globally. Once installed, authenticate with your Anthropic account using the login command.

Step 2: Your First Session

Navigate to your project directory and start Claude Code. You can now give Claude natural language instructions about your codebase. Try asking it to explain your project structure or fix a specific bug.

Step 3: Create CLAUDE.md

Create a CLAUDE.md file at your project root. This tells Claude about your project. Include your tech stack, coding conventions, and any project-specific instructions. Claude reads this automatically every session.

Step 4: Install Your First Skill

Browse our skills library at claudecodeskill.org and find a skill relevant to your work. Download the SKILL.md file and place it in your project's .claude/skills/ directory. Claude will now use this skill when relevant tasks arise.

Step 5: Configure Rules

Create a .claude/rules/ directory and add markdown files for language-specific conventions. This ensures Claude follows your team's standards automatically.

Step 6: Add Hooks (Optional)

For automation, create hooks in .claude/hooks/ that run commands on specific events. Start with a simple PostFileSave hook that runs your linter.

Key Concepts Summary

  • - CLAUDE.md: Project instructions (always active)
  • - Skills: Portable task-specific expertise (SKILL.md)
  • - Rules: Conditional behavioral constraints
  • - Hooks: Event-driven automation
  • - MCP Servers: External tool connections

Next Steps

  • Browse our categories for skills relevant to your tech stack
  • Read the hooks guide for automation setup
  • Explore MCP servers for external integrations
  • Join the community and share your own skills

Conclusion

Claude Code becomes dramatically more useful with proper configuration. Start with CLAUDE.md, add a few focused skills, and expand from there. The investment in setup pays off immediately in more consistent, higher-quality AI assistance.