I’ve spent the last few weeks testing every AI coding tool out there. Honestly, most of them are just “vibe coding” tools. They get you 30% of the way there, and then you get stuck in a loop. But then I found Claude Code. It’s like hiring a professional architect who lives inside your computer. I used it to build a full dashboard in minutes, and I’m never going back to the old way.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to set up Claude Code and build your first app.
Table of Contents
What is Claude Code and Why is it Better?
If you’ve used tools like Bolt or Lovable, you know they are fast. But they are “flat-pack” tools. Everything stays inside their system. Claude Code is different. It lives in your files and learns your patterns. It’s currently the most powerful coding agent on the planet.
Note: You don’t need to be a pro coder to use this. If you can type a sentence, you can use Claude Code.
Step 1: Get Your Tools Ready
Before we start, you need two things. I found this part a little annoying at first, but it’s a one-time setup.
- Claude Pro Plan: You need a Pro or Team plan ($20/month) to use this without messing around with API keys.
- Node.js: This is a tool that lets your computer run JavaScript.
- Go to nodejs.org.
- Click the macOS Installer (or Windows if you’re on a PC).
- Follow the prompts to install it.
Step 2: How to Install Claude Code on Mac
Now we need to open the Terminal. Don’t be scared! It looks like a hacker movie, but it’s just a way to talk to your computer.
- Press Command + Spacebar and type Terminal.
- Head over to the Claude Code website and find the npm install command.
- Copy that code and paste it into your Terminal.
- Press Enter.
Once it’s done, just type Claude and hit Enter. If you see a message asking if you trust the folder, type Yes.
Step 3: Your First Project (The Coffee Recipe Test)
Let’s test if it works. We are going to make a folder and a file without touching our mouse.
- Type: “Create a folder on my desktop called Coffee66.”
- Next, type: “Create a text file in that folder with a recipe for Key Lime Cheesecake.”
- Check your desktop. You should see a new folder and your recipe!
Step 4: Building AI Apps with Claude Code and Supabase
To build a “real” app, we need a place to store data. We use Supabase for this. Think of it like a super-powered Excel sheet that lives in the cloud.
- Open Cursor (a special code editor).
- Open your project folder.
- Tell Claude: “Build me an interactive dashboard that connects to Supabase.”
- Claude will ask you for your URL and Anon Key. You can find these in your Supabase Project Settings.
Warning: I made this mistake twice: Make sure there are no extra spaces when you paste your Anon Key. If there are spaces, the app won’t load!
Step 5: Going Live with GitHub and Vercel
Your app works on your computer, but you want to show the world!
- Create a free account on GitHub.
- Click New Repository and give it a name.
- Tell Claude: “Push my code to this GitHub URL.”
- Go to Vercel and click Import on your new project.
- Click Deploy.
Boom! Your app is now a live website that anyone can visit.
What Usually Goes Wrong?
I’ve hit a few walls so you don’t have to. Here is what to watch out for:
- The “404” Error: If your data isn’t showing up, right-click your live site and click Inspect. Look at the Console tab. It will usually tell you if your Supabase connection is broken.
- Context Window: Even though Claude is smart, it can forget things in long chats. I recommend creating a file called claude.md in your folder. Put your main rules there (like “Always use Poppins font”). Claude will read this every time it starts.
- Refresh Your Browser: Sometimes you’ll make a change in the code, but the website looks the same. Always hit Refresh!
Conclusion: Ready to Build?
Claude Code is a game-changer for entrepreneurs. You can stop building “prototypes” and start building real systems that scale. It’s faster, more robust, and honestly, it’s just fun to use.
Have you tried building an app with AI yet? Let me know in the comments if you hit any snags—I’m happy to help a friend out!
FAQs
Do I need to know how to code to use Claude Code?
No! You don’t need to be a software engineer. If you can explain what you want in plain English, Claude does the heavy lifting. However, knowing the basics of how folders and files work on your computer will help you move much faster.
Is Claude Code better than using the ChatGPT website?
The biggest difference is that Claude Code lives inside your computer. While ChatGPT is stuck in a browser window, Claude Code can actually create files, run tests, and organize your folders for you. It’s like the difference between talking to a consultant and hiring a builder.
Why do I need to pay for the Pro Plan ($20/month)?
I tried to find a way around this, but the Pro Plan is the easiest way to start. It gives you access to the “Claude Code” tool without needing to set up complicated “API Keys” or pay-per-message. If you are building a business, it’s a very small investment for the time you save.
Can I use Claude Code on Windows?
Yes! While I used a Mac in this guide, the process is almost the same. You just need to install Node.js for Windows and use the Command Prompt or PowerShell instead of the Mac Terminal.
What happens if Claude Code makes a mistake in the code?
If the code doesn’t work, don’t panic. Just copy the error message you see and paste it back into the terminal. Tell Claude: “I got this error, please fix it.” I’ve found that Claude is actually better at fixing bugs than writing the code perfectly the first time.