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Claude Code CLI: Beginner to Expert Guide

An interactive tutorial series for learning Claude Code CLI - the terminal-based AI coding assistant. From your first command to advanced automation.

Note: This guide is specifically for Claude Code CLI (the terminal/command-line tool), not the Claude web interface at claude.ai.

What is Claude Code CLI?

Claude Code CLI is Anthropic's official command-line interface that brings Claude AI directly into your terminal. Unlike the web chat interface, Claude Code CLI:

  • Runs in your terminal - Works where you already code
  • Has direct file access - Reads, writes, and edits files in your project
  • Executes commands - Runs shell commands and sees the output
  • Understands context - Knows your project structure and codebase
  • Integrates with tools - Git, npm, docker, and any CLI tool

CLI vs Web: Why Use Claude Code CLI?

Capability Claude Web Claude Code CLI
File access Copy/paste only Direct filesystem access
Code editing Manual copy back Edits files in place
Run commands Describe results Executes and sees output
Git operations Instructions only Creates commits, PRs
Project context You describe it Reads your actual files
Tool integration None MCP, hooks, commands
Automation None Scripts, CI/CD, cron
Multi-file refactoring Tedious Seamless

How to Use This Guide

Each section contains: - Concepts - Key ideas explained simply - Examples - Real terminal commands you can run - Exercises - Hands-on practice projects

Work through the levels in order, or jump to topics you need.

Learning Path

Level 1: Beginner

Start here if you're new to Claude Code.

Tutorial Description
01-getting-started Installation and first conversation
02-basic-commands Essential commands and navigation
03-file-operations Reading, writing, and editing files
04-asking-questions How to prompt Claude effectively

Level 2: Intermediate

Build on the basics with real workflows.

Tutorial Description
01-code-exploration Navigating and understanding codebases
02-debugging Finding and fixing bugs with Claude
03-git-workflows Commits, PRs, and version control
04-testing Writing and running tests

Level 3: Advanced

Master Claude Code's full capabilities.

Tutorial Description
01-custom-commands Creating slash commands
02-hooks Automating with lifecycle hooks
03-mcp-servers Extending Claude with MCP
04-multi-agent Working with subagents

Level 4: Expert

Push the boundaries of what's possible.

Tutorial Description
01-sdk-integration Building with Claude Agent SDK
02-enterprise-patterns Team workflows and best practices
03-performance Optimizing for speed and cost
04-n8n-integration Workflow automation with n8n
05-development-environment Professional dev environment setup
06-toolchain-integration Essential developer tool integrations
07-debugging-mastery Debug, test & troubleshoot best practices
08-cli-power-user Advanced CLI techniques & automation

Exercises

Hands-on projects to practice what you've learned:

Exercise Level Description
hello-claude Beginner Your first Claude Code project
bug-hunter Intermediate Debug a broken application
auto-reviewer Advanced Build a code review automation

Quick Reference

Terminal Commands (Starting Claude)

# Interactive session
claude

# Start with a prompt
claude "explain this codebase"

# Continue previous session
claude -c

# Non-interactive mode (for scripts)
claude -p "what does main.py do"

# Work in different directory
claude --cwd /path/to/project

# Check version
claude --version

Inside a Session (Slash Commands)

/help          # Show available commands
/exit          # Exit session
/clear         # Clear conversation history
/compact       # Summarize to save context
/config        # View/edit settings

Keyboard Shortcuts

Shortcut Action
Enter Send message
Shift+Enter Multiline input
Ctrl+C Cancel / Exit (2x)
Up/Down History navigation
Ctrl+L Clear screen

Shell Integration (Add to ~/.zshrc)

alias cc="claude"
alias ccc="claude -c"
alias ccp="claude -p"

Prerequisites

  • Terminal/command line basics
  • A code editor (VS Code recommended)
  • Node.js 18+ installed
  • An Anthropic API key or Claude Pro/Max subscription

Installation

npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

Then authenticate: 

claude
# Follow the prompts to log in

Appendix

Contributing

Found an error or want to add content? Contributions welcome!