# 6 Months of Claude Code Lessons in 27 Minutes

These notes are based on the YouTube video by AI with Avthar

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Getting Started with Claude Code

To get started with Claude Code, you can install it on your local machine or a remote server. The installation process is straightforward, and you can begin coding right away. There are two ways to install Claude Code:

• Install on your local machine by running the native binary script from the Anthropic website or by using npm: npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code.
• Install on a remote server, such as AWS, DigitalOcean, or Hetzner, for backend projects or to code from anywhere, using the native binary script or npm.

Beginner Tips

Here are some essential tips for beginners:

• Use the claude.md file to put you ahead of 99% of beginners. This file serves as your project’s memory and contains information that Claude Code uses to work on your project.
• Use to-do lists to create a plan before starting to code. You can explicitly prompt Claude Code to use to-do lists individually.
• Use bash mode to run bash commands inside Claude Code without exiting.
• Use Claude Code for instant documentation by asking it to explore and explain the architecture of an app and saving its output in a file.
• Use model switching to choose from a variety of Anthropic models to power Claude Code’s AI coding sessions, as discussed in Claude Code best practices.

Essential Commands

Some essential commands to know:

• bash mode: enables you to run bash commands inside Claude Code
• claude.md file: contains information that Claude Code uses to work on your project
• think keywords: allow you to tell Claude Code how much time to spend thinking when working on tough problems
• model command: allows you to choose which model to use

Debugging with Claude Code

Claude Code makes debugging easier with the following features:

• Test-driven development: allows Claude Code to write tests for a given feature and then implement it
• Automatic test writing: allows Claude Code to write tests for a particular feature or onboarding flow

🔗 See Also: These New Claude Code Features are HUGE (2.0.67) 💡 Related: Anthropic releases method to 10× Claude Code / Opus 4.5

Intermediate Tips

Here are some tips for intermediate users:

• Use planning mode to plan and strategize before starting to code
• Use document generation to generate artifacts such as product requirement docs, user experience guides, and API documentation
• Use automatic change tracking to keep track of changes made to your project
• Use GitHub integration to integrate Claude Code with your GitHub workflow

Advanced Techniques

Here are some advanced techniques:

• Use multiple instances of Claude Code to develop multiple features at the same time
• Use custom commands to create prompting shortcuts for repetitive tasks
• Use the model command to switch between Anthropic models

Customization

Claude Code can be customized with:

• Custom commands: can be created using prompting shortcuts
• Configuration files: stored in ~/.claude or ~/.config/claude-code

Cost and Pricing

Claude Code uses API keys or OAuth for authentication, and billing is done via the Anthropic console. The cost scales with usage, and you can set limits in the console. There are no tool-specific plans, but you can use the Pro or Max plans for different rate limits.

Summary

Claude Code is a powerful AI coding tool that can help you build and ship projects faster. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you can get the most out of Claude Code and take your coding skills to the next level. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, Claude Code has something to offer. With its customizable commands and configuration options, you can tailor Claude Code to fit your specific needs and workflow. Always check the official Anthropic documentation for the latest features and best practices.