Terminal Basics & Setting Up Claude Code

The Terminal is Just a Text-Based File Explorer

If the terminal feels intimidating, here's a reframe: it's just a text version of Finder (Mac) or File Explorer (Windows). Instead of clicking folders, you type where you want to go. Instead of double-clicking to open things, you type what you want to run. That's it. You don't need to memorize hundreds of commands — you need about five, and Claude Code handles the rest.

The Only Terminal Commands You Need

# Where am I right now?
pwd
# Output: /Users/yourname/Documents

# What files are in this folder?
ls
# Output: reports/  data/  dashboard-project/

# Go into a folder
cd dashboard-project

# Go back up one folder
cd ..

# Create a new folder
mkdir my-new-project

# Go into your new folder
cd my-new-project

That's the entire list. pwd tells you where you are. ls shows what's around you. cd moves you somewhere. mkdir creates a new folder. Once you're in the right folder, Claude Code takes over.

Installing Claude Code

Installation takes about two minutes. Open your terminal and run these commands:

# Install Claude Code globally
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

# Navigate to your project folder (or create one)
mkdir ~/analytics-projects
cd ~/analytics-projects

# Launch Claude Code
claude

When you run 'claude' for the first time, it'll walk you through authentication. You'll need an Anthropic API key or a Claude Pro/Team subscription. Follow the prompts — it takes about 30 seconds.

Understanding Agent Modes

Claude Code has three modes that control how much autonomy it has. Think of it like the difference between a contractor who checks with you on every nail vs. one who just builds the deck:

• Default mode — Claude proposes every action and waits for you to approve. It'll say 'I want to create this file' and you press Enter to confirm. Best for beginners.
• Auto-accept mode — Claude executes file edits automatically but still asks before running terminal commands. Good once you're comfortable.
• Plan mode — Claude creates a plan first without executing anything, then you review the plan before it starts working. Great for complex projects.

Your First Interaction

Once Claude Code is running, try something simple. Just type a request in plain English:

Create a simple HTML page that says 'Hello, I'm an analyst who builds things now' with a nice blue gradient background

Watch what happens: Claude Code will propose creating an HTML file, show you the code, and wait for your approval. Hit Enter, and the file appears in your folder. Open it in a browser. You just built something. That's the whole idea.

Create a simple webpage that displays today's date and a motivational quote about data analysis