Claude Code - The Practical Guide
Boost your agentic engineering game by mastering Claude Code's basic and advanced features.
About This Course
What is this course about?
Claude Code is taking the programming world by storm, but most developers are barely scratching the surface.
If you've ever felt like you're "using" Claude Code without really mastering it, this course is for you.
Claude Code – The Practical Guide is a hands-on, no-nonsense course designed to help you unlock Claude Code's full potential. You'll learn how to work with Claude Code efficiently, understand how it thinks and confidently use the features that separate casual users from power users.
Starting from the fundamentals and quickly moving into advanced territory, you'll explore essential concepts like context engineering and core commands before diving deep into powerful features. Every feature is explained clearly. Not just what it is, but why it matters and how to use it effectively in real projects.
You don't need any special setup or prior experience beyond a Claude Code installation and subscription. By the end of the course, you'll go from Claude Code novice to confident, advanced user, able to dramatically boost your productivity and build better software faster.
What You'll Learn
This course covers everything from fundamentals to advanced features, no black boxes:
Core Fundamentals
Learn the fundamentals of working with Claude Code the right way. Core commands, context engineering essentials and how Claude Code thinks.
Subagents & Agent Skills
Master advanced, high-impact features like subagents and agent skills to delegate tasks and extend Claude Code's capabilities.
MCPs, Hooks & Plugins
Dive deep into MCPs (Model Context Protocol), hooks and plugins to customize and supercharge your workflow.
Plan Mode & Permissions
Make use of "Plan Mode", manage permissions and optionally run Claude Code in a loop for autonomous operation.
Hands-On Learning
Learn the WHAT, WHY, and HOW behind each concept, then put it all into practice.
CLI & Web
Use Claude Code across different environments:
- Master Claude Code in the terminal (CLI)
- Work with Claude Code in the web interface
- Understand when to use each approach
- Seamlessly switch between environments
Real-World Project
Build a complete example project to see everything in action:
- Apply all concepts in a real codebase
- See best practices in context
- Learn practical workflows and patterns
- Build confidence through hands-on experience
Who Is This Course For?
See The Course In Action
Curriculum
- Welcome To This Course! (0:29)
- Course Overview (2:24)
- Claude Code Setup (1:37)
- Claude Code in Different Terminals
- Using Bun
- Base Usage & IDE Integration (5:29)
- Configuring Claude Code (4:23)
- Choosing AI Models
- Understanding Sessions & Context (3:16)
- When To Start New Sessions & Making Sense Of Compaction
- Core Features You May Not Know Yet (2:49)
- Advanced Permissions Management (4:56)
- Running Claude Code via Docker Sandboxes (2:17)
- Using Claude Code's Native Sandboxing (2:31)
- Undoing Actions & The Importance of Version Control Systems (3:27)
- Community & Resources
- Commands, Shortcuts & Settings Cheat Sheet
- Dive even deeper!
- Module Introduction (0:55)
- Making Sense of Prompt & Context Engineering (0:45)
- Prompt Engineering In Action & Working with Specs (7:56)
- Prompt & Context Engineering Recommendations
- Initializing Claude Projects (2:52)
- Crafting Great CLAUDE.MD Files (3:44)
- Leveraging Plan Mode (5:04)
- Using Claude Code's Built-in Tools (2:46)
- Using MCP Servers & More On Permissions (5:52)
- Understanding Subagents (3:17)
- Creating & Using A Custom Subagent (4:00)
- Encouraging Agent Usage (3:38)
- Introducing Agent Skills (1:38)
- Adding Custom Skills (10:03)
- Using Agent Skills as Commands (2:23)
- Enhancing Skills & Adding Third-Party Skills
- Iterating On The Demo App (6:28)
- Building & Using Custom Commands (Prompt Templates) (6:19)
- Using Screenshots For Prompting With Feedback (3:32)
- Understanding & Using Hooks (8:58)
- Installing & Using Plugins (4:24)
- Creating Feedback Loops by Granting Browser Access (3:50)
- Providing Feedback via Automated Tests (3:25)
- Running Claude Code In A (Ralph) Loop (9:54)
- Using Claude Code Web (Cloud) (6:50)
Course Prerequisites
Here's what you need to get the most out of this course
- Basic understanding of programming concepts.
- You will need a Claude Code subscription to efficiently use it.
All pre-requisites are covered by courses in our "Academind Pro" Membership.
Your Instructor
Maximilian Schwarzmüller
Founder & Instructor
Self-taught developer with 3,500,000+ students and 900,000 YouTube subscribers. I co-founded Academind with Manuel Lorenz to help people master new skills and build amazing projects.
Join 964 happy students!
Choose the plan that works best for you
Single-Course License
Full access to "Claude Code - The Practical Guide"
This is a one-time payment that grants access to this course only, not to any other courses.
Academind Pro Membership
Unlimited access to this and all other current & future courses!
This is a recurring payment. You can cancel anytime from your profile. For more info, contact Academind.
Continue Your Learning Journey
Expand your skills with these hand-picked courses that complement what you'll learn here.
