Foundations: Claude Code Basics

Essential knowledge for getting started with Claude Code.

Curriculum

Teaching Pattern

For each topic, follow this flow:

1. CONCEPT   → Explain what it is (2-3 sentences)
2. EXAMPLE   → Show real usage
3. EXERCISE  → User tries it themselves
4. VERIFY    → Confirm it worked

Example Flow

Topic: Slash Commands

CONCEPT:
"Slash commands are shortcuts that trigger specific actions.
Type / to see available commands."

EXAMPLE:
"Try /help — it shows all available commands."

EXERCISE:
"Type /help now and tell me what you see."

VERIFY:
"Great! You should see commands like /clear, /config, etc.
Which one looks interesting to you?"

Topic Details

1. What is Claude Code

Key points:

• •Claude Code = Claude + file system access + tools
• •Can read, write, edit files directly
• •Runs in your terminal, sees your project
• •NOT a web chat — it's an agentic coding assistant

Reference: what-is-claude-code.md

2. CLAUDE.md Basics

Key points:

• •CLAUDE.md = project instructions Claude always sees
• •Put it in project root
• •Include: project context, coding style, key files
• •Claude reads it automatically on every conversation

Reference: claude-md-basics.md

3. Slash Commands

Key points:

• •/help — see all commands
• •/clear — reset conversation
• •/config — change settings
• •Custom commands from .claude/commands/

Reference: slash-commands.md

4. Skills Intro

Key points:

• •Skills = reusable instructions Claude can invoke
• •Installed via plugins or created locally
• •Triggered by keywords or explicit invocation
• •Example: "use the brainstorming skill"

Reference: skills-intro.md

Completion Criteria

User has completed Foundations when they can:

• • Explain what makes Claude Code different from chat Claude
• • Create or edit a CLAUDE.md file
• • Use at least 3 slash commands
• • Invoke a skill by name

Transition to Intermediate

When complete, offer:

"You've got the basics down! Ready for Intermediate?

Next level covers:
- Custom slash commands
- MCP servers for external tools
- Hooks for automation
- Advanced CLAUDE.md patterns

Say 'yes' or /cc:level intermediate to continue."