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I built this AI tools directory in less than 15 seconds using Macaly.

The prompt was only a few words but it nailed it:

"𝘉𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘢 𝘥𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘈𝘐 𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘭𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘺𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘯, 𝘮𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘭"

It created the site, the listings, the filters and the search functionality (no editing needed).

How to Build Apps with Claude Code (Even If You Can't Code)

If you spend much time around the developer world online, it’s likely you’ve heard about Claude Code. Claude Code is an LLM-based coding tool that lives on your computer, not on the browser. You tell it what you want to build and it builds it. If you use ChatGPT to write code, you need to copy/paste it out of ChatGPT to actually use it.

With Claude Code:

  1. You ask for code

  2. It writes directly into your files

  3. It runs the code itself

  4. If there's an error, it sees it and fixes it

  5. It keeps going until it works

Installing Claude Code

Mac Users

  1. Go to the Claude Code website

  2. Copy the installation script

  3. Paste it in your terminal and hit enter

Windows Users

The Windows script sometimes breaks. Here's another way:

  1. Go to nodejs.org and download Node.js (click the big green button)

  2. Install it

  3. Open command prompt and type node -v to make sure it worked

  4. Type this command: npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

  5. Type claude to set it up

  6. Pick dark or light mode

  7. Sign in with your Claude account

Using It in VS Code

  1. Open Visual Studio Code

  2. Press Control + Shift + Backtick to open a terminal

  3. Type git init

  4. Click the dropdown arrow and select "command prompt"

  5. Type claude and hit enter

Part 1: Building Your First App

Don't Do This

Most people start with something vague like: "Make me a chore app with a calendar."

That's not enough information. Claude doesn't know what technology to use, where to store data, or how you want the code written.

Do This Instead

Step 1: Hold Shift and press Tab until you see "Plan Mode" in the corner.

Step 2: Write a clear prompt with bullet points:

Build a chore management app:
- Show a calendar like Outlook
- Let people add and delete chores
- Make chores repeat weekly or monthly
- Assign chores to team members
- Add and remove team members

Ask me questions about what tech to use and how to build this.

Step 3: Answer Claude's questions. It'll ask about:

  • What framework? (React, Vue, etc.)

  • Where to save data? (Local storage, database, etc.)

  • What features do you want?

Step 4: Read the plan Claude creates. Look for things you don't like.

For example, if it plans to use JavaScript but you want TypeScript, just say: "Use TypeScript instead of JavaScript."

Don't overthink how you talk to Claude. Be direct. Imagine you're talking to a coworker, not a robot.

Letting Claude Write Code

You can either:

  • Approve each change manually (slow but safe for beginners)

  • Auto-approve everything (faster, use once you're comfortable)

The Most Important Rule: Save Your Work Often

When you see bugs (and you will), don't immediately ask Claude to fix them.

First, commit your code to git. Work in a branch. This way, if Claude breaks something, you can undo it easily.

Fixing bugs can introduce new bugs. Always have a way to go back.

Part 2: Using Claude with Existing Code

Here's the problem: how does Claude know your coding style and project setup?

The Solution: claude.md File

This is a file that explains your project to Claude. Every time you start Claude, it reads this file.

What to put in claude.md:

Part 1 - The Basics:

  • What technology you're using (React, Python, etc.)

  • How your folders are organized

  • What each major file does

Part 2 - How Things Work:

  • What each part of your app does

  • How the pieces fit together

Part 3 - Rules for Claude:

  • Always create a git branch before changing code

  • Run tests after every change

  • Follow specific coding patterns

Creating Your claude.md

Don't write this by hand. Ask Claude to create it:

Create a claude.md file that explains:
- What tech this project uses
- How the folders are organized
- What the important files do
- How to run the project
- Rules for adding features or fixing bugs

Keep the main file short and link to other files for details.

Claude will analyze your code and write the documentation.

See It in Action

Add this to your claude.md:

Always create a git branch before fixing bugs or adding features.

Now when you report a bug, Claude will automatically create a branch first. You don't have to remind it.

Part 3: Making Big Changes

YOLO Mode (Advanced Users Only)

Normal mode: Claude asks permission before running commands. YOLO mode: Claude just does it.

Toggle it with Shift + Tab. Only use this once you're comfortable. Things can break.

How to Make Big Architecture Changes

Let's say you want real-time syncing between browser tabs. Here's the process:

Step 1: Switch to Plan Mode

Step 2: Write a clear prompt:

I need chores to update in all browser tabs automatically, without refreshing. Look at the current code and give me three different ways to do this.

Step 3: Pick an option Claude will suggest different approaches. Pick the one you like.

Step 4: Review the plan Claude shows you:

  • What files it will change

  • What new files it will create

  • How it will implement the feature

  • Potential problems to watch for

Step 5: Let it build Let Claude write the code, then test it yourself.

What Actually Works

Treat Claude Like a Junior Developer

  • Review every change it makes

  • Don't trust it blindly

  • If something looks wrong, ask Claude to fix it

  • Don't edit code manually, use prompts instead

Give Clear Instructions

Bad: "Make it better" Good: "Change the button color to blue and move it to the top right"

Bad: "Fix the bug" Good: "When I click the calendar, it saves the wrong time. It should save 8am but saves 8pm instead."

Save Your Progress

After Claude makes changes:

  1. Test the app

  2. Review the code

  3. Commit to git

  4. Then move to the next change

Ask for Multiple Options

Instead of: "Add user authentication" Try: "Give me three ways to add user authentication, from simplest to most secure"

This helps you understand trade-offs and pick the right approach.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Letting Claude run wild without commits Fix: Commit after every successful change

Mistake 2: Vague prompts Fix: Be specific about what you want

Mistake 3: Not reading the plan Fix: Actually review what Claude proposes before it codes

Mistake 4: Trusting Claude completely Fix: Test everything and review the code

Mistake 5: Trying to fix everything at once Fix: One change at a time

Getting Started Today

  1. Install Claude Code (use the npm method if the script fails)

  2. Build a simple app to learn the basics

  3. Create a claude.md file for any real projects

  4. Use Plan Mode for everything at first

  5. Only try YOLO mode once you're comfortable

The secret isn't knowing fancy commands. It's learning how to explain what you want clearly and checking Claude's work carefully.

Think of Claude as a really fast developer who needs good instructions and oversight. Give clear directions, review the results, and save your progress frequently.

That's it. Hope this helps.

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