The Terminal: Your New Best Friend

The terminal might look intimidating — a black screen with blinking cursor feels like something from a hacker movie. But here's the truth: you only need to know about 10 commands to be productive with Claude Code.

🎯 PM Perspective

Think of the terminal as a chat interface with your computer. Instead of clicking buttons, you type instructions. Claude Code is just a super-smart assistant that lives in this chat interface.

The 10 Commands You Need

pwdPrint Working Directory

Shows where you currently are in your computer's file system. Like asking "Where am I?"

lsList

Shows all files and folders in your current location. Like opening a folder in Finder/Explorer.

cd folder-nameChange Directory

Move into a folder. Use cd .. to go back up one level.

mkdir folder-nameMake Directory

Creates a new folder. Like right-clicking and selecting "New Folder".

clearClear Screen

Cleans up the terminal screen. Good when things get cluttered.

claudeStart Claude Code

Launches Claude Code in the current folder. This is your main command!

Ctrl + CCancel/Stop

Stops whatever is currently running. Your emergency exit button.

↑ / ↓ arrowsCommand History

Scroll through your previous commands. Saves tons of retyping!

TabAuto-complete

Auto-completes folder and file names. Type a few letters, press Tab.

npm run devStart Development Server

Runs your web app locally so you can preview it in your browser.

Practice Exercise

Try this sequence of commands:

$ pwd # See where you are
$ mkdir practice-folder # Create a folder
$ cd practice-folder # Move into it
$ pwd # Confirm you moved
$ cd .. # Go back up
$ ls # See your new folder listed

🎉 That's It!

You now know more terminal commands than 90% of people who've never coded. Everything else you need, Claude Code will handle for you. When you're unsure, just ask Claude "how do I..." and it'll guide you.