Scaffolding Your Project

With your spec in hand, it's time to set up the project foundation. Claude can scaffold an entire project structure in one prompt.

The Setup Prompt

"Create a new Next.js project with Tailwind CSS for [your project name]. Set up the basic folder structure with a homepage, and create placeholder components for [list main features from your spec]. Use a dark theme."

What Claude Will Create

my-project/
├── app/
│   ├── page.js         # Homepage
│   ├── layout.js       # Global layout
│   └── globals.css     # Global styles
├── components/
│   └── [your components]
├── package.json
├── tailwind.config.js
└── next.config.js

Running Your Project

After Claude creates the files, start the development server:

$ npm install
$ npm run dev

Open http://localhost:3000 in your browser.

💡 Best Practice

Keep the dev server running while you work. Claude's changes appear automatically in your browser — no refresh needed!