Who it's for
For anyone who has heard of Claude Code and has not used it yet, including people who have never opened a terminal. You need a computer, a project folder and a Claude plan or Console account that includes Claude Code.
Lessons
- 1How to install Claude Code and run your first sessionInstall Claude Code on macOS, Windows or Linux, check the version, log in and run your first session, with the official commands and fixes for common errors.
- 2Claude Code plan mode: how to ask for a plan before any editClaude Code plan mode makes Claude read your code and write a plan before it edits anything. Learn Shift+Tab, /plan, the approval choices and permission modes.
- 3Claude Code slash commands: the built-in ones and how to write your ownLearn the Claude Code slash commands worth knowing, then write a custom command as a skill: where the file goes, arguments, who can run it and how to reload it.
- 4Claude Code hooks: how to set up your first hook, step by stepClaude Code hooks run your own commands at set points in a session. Add a notification hook, check it with /hooks, then learn matchers, exit codes and blocking.
Frequently asked questions
What is Claude Code?
Claude Code is Anthropic's tool for working on code with Claude. It runs in a terminal, and also in VS Code and JetBrains IDEs, in a desktop app and on the web. It reads the project files it needs, and edits files and runs commands when you ask.
Is this Claude Code course free?
Yes, all four lessons are free. Claude Code itself needs a paid plan or a Console account, because the free claude.ai plan does not include Claude Code access.
Do I need to know how to code to follow it?
No. Anthropic's terminal guide says you can use Claude Code without knowing how to code, because you describe what you want in plain English. Lessons 3 and 4 use small text and JSON files, and the lessons give you the text to copy.
In what order should I take the lessons?
In the order listed: install, plan mode, slash commands, hooks. Each lesson builds on the one before, and the last one points to the Agent Skills course.
How current is the course?
Each lesson was written from Anthropic's Claude Code documentation as read on 4 November 2026, then checked again against the docs and the changelog on 5 November 2026. Each source carries the day it was read. Claude Code changes often, so check a command against the docs if it behaves differently.