This step is about getting familiar with the two main interfaces used throughout the workflow: the terminal (command line interface) and the Cursor interface. The goal here is orientation, not mastery.

By the end of this step, the tools should feel recognizable, even if not fully understood yet.

Terminal and command line basics

The terminal is a text-based interface that allows direct interaction with the computer by typing commands. It runs locally on the machine and is used to trigger actions such as creating files, folders, or running tools.

Key activities in this step include:

• Opening the terminal using system shortcuts or search.
• Launching Claude Code from the terminal once it has been installed.
• Seeing what a command line interface (CLI) looks like in practice.
• Issuing plain-language instructions and observing how Claude Code executes them.
• Clearing or resetting the terminal view when needed.

The terminal will be used repeatedly in later steps to create and modify project files.

Using Claude Code in the terminal

Claude Code functions as a coding agent within the terminal. Instead of manually writing commands or code, instructions can be given in natural language.

Typical actions demonstrated here include:

• Creating folders and files.
• Modifying file contents.
• Navigating project structures without manually typing complex commands.

At this stage, the focus is on seeing that instructions result in real changes on the local machine.

Cursor interface overview