Official References: Claude Code Overview · Best Practices · Claude Code CLI
Why this guide exists
Most beginners fail for one reason: they start with a big task before establishing a safe loop.
This guide gives you a first-day loop with three goals:
- set clear boundaries
- run one small task
- keep verifiable evidence
The 60-minute safe loop
0–10 min: set project rules
- create/update
CLAUDE.md - define what files can be changed
- define what commands count as proof
10–25 min: run one narrow task
Start with one issue that changes 1–3 files.
Example:
Goal: fix typo and broken link in onboarding doc.
Context: docs/onboarding.md
Constraints: do not change code files.
Done when: lint + markdown link check pass.25–40 min: verify and review
Run checks, then inspect the actual diff.
- lint/doc checks
- review changed files
- revert accidental edits
40–60 min: capture handoff note
Write a short note with:
- what changed
- what passed
- what remains
Starter prompt template
Goal:
<one concrete outcome>
Context:
<files, symptoms, references>
Constraints:
<what must not change>
Done when:
<commands + expected result>Use this template until it feels automatic.
Beginner anti-patterns
Asking for too much in one prompt
Large prompts hide failures and increase risky edits.
Skipping verification because diff looks small
Small diffs can still break behavior.
No explicit done condition
Without Done when, completion becomes subjective.
First-day completion checklist
CLAUDE.mdupdated with local rules- one narrow task completed
- proof commands executed
- diff reviewed
- short handoff note recorded
If these five are done, your onboarding loop is working.