Module 0: Getting Started0.2: Start & Clone

0.2: Start & Clone

  • Time to Complete: 5 minutes
  • Prerequisites: Claude Code installed (Module 0.1)

📖 Overview

Module 0.2 demonstrates the core principle of Claude Code: describe what you want, Claude handles the implementation. Instead of manually running git commands, you’ll tell Claude to clone the repository and it will handle all the technical details.

Key takeaway: Claude Code transforms natural language requests into precise terminal operations. This pattern works for any repository - internal docs, open-source projects, or personal code.

How to Open Your Terminal

All the commands below need to be typed into your terminal. Here’s how to open it:

Mac:

  1. Press Cmd + Space to open Spotlight
  2. Type “Terminal”
  3. Press Enter

Windows:

  1. Press the Windows key
  2. Type “PowerShell”
  3. Press Enter

📦 Download and Start

Open your terminal, then click the copy button in the top-right corner of the code block below, paste the command into your terminal, and press Enter:

cd ~/Documents && \
curl -L https://github.com/carlvellotti/claude-code-pm-course/releases/latest/download/complete-course.zip -o course.zip && \
unzip course.zip -d claude-code-course && \
cd claude-code-course && \
claude

What this does:

  1. Navigates to your Documents folder
  2. Downloads the course materials
  3. Extracts them to claude-code-course
  4. Navigates into the course folder
  5. Launches Claude Code with full course context

Expected output:

  % Total    % Received
Archive:  course.zip
  inflating: claude-code-course/README.md
  inflating: claude-code-course/.claude/commands/start-1-1.md
  ...
 
# Claude Code launches inside the course folder

Once Claude Code starts, you’ll have full access to all course files and can run the interactive /start commands.

🎯 Alternative: Let Claude Do It

Want to see Claude Code in action before starting the course? You can ask Claude to handle the download for you:

  1. In your terminal, type: claude (then press Enter)
  2. Tell Claude: “Download the course materials from https://github.com/carlvellotti/claude-code-pm-course/releases/latest/download/complete-course.zip and extract it to a folder called claude-code-course in my Documents folder”
  3. Exit and navigate - type these commands in your terminal: exit, then cd ~/Documents/claude-code-course && claude

This demonstrates Claude Code’s core principle: describe what you want in natural language, and Claude handles the implementation.

❓ Common Questions

What if curl or unzip aren’t installed?

Most Mac systems have these built-in. If you get an error:

  • Mac: Type this in your terminal: xcode-select --install
  • Windows: Curl and unzip aren’t built-in. Download the zip manually from the GitHub Releases page, extract it to your Documents folder, then open your terminal and type: cd ~/Documents/claude-code-course && claude

Can I change the download location?

Yes! Change ~/Documents in the command to any folder. For example, to download to your Desktop:

cd ~/Desktop && curl -L https://... && unzip ... && cd claude-code-course && claude

Can I download other materials this way?

Absolutely. This pattern works for any downloadable files:

  • GitHub release assets
  • Direct download links
  • Company documentation
  • Any zip file URL

Just replace the URL and folder names as needed.

What if the download fails?

Try downloading the zip manually from the GitHub Releases page, then type these commands in your terminal:

cd ~/Downloads
unzip complete-course.zip -d ~/Documents/claude-code-course
cd ~/Documents/claude-code-course
claude

🧪 Testing Your Setup

Verify Claude has course context. Once Claude Code is running, type these prompts to Claude (these are NOT terminal commands - you’re having a conversation with Claude):

Say to Claude:

Show me all the Level 1 modules.

Say to Claude:

List the learning objectives for Module 1.3

Say to Claude:

What user personas are available in the context folder?

Observe how Claude:

  • Interprets your request
  • Finds relevant files
  • Reads and analyzes content
  • Provides clear answers

This is your new workflow.

💡 Best Practices

Natural Language First:

  • Describe your goal, not the commands
  • Let Claude figure out the implementation details
  • Example: “Download and extract the course to my Documents” not “cd ~/Documents && curl…”

Verify Context:

  • Always open Claude Code from your course materials folder
  • Use /start commands only when inside the claude-code-course folder
  • Claude’s effectiveness depends on having proper file context

Learn by Doing:

  • The interactive modules teach through hands-on practice
  • This reference guide provides quick lookups and deeper context
  • Combine both for the best learning experience

🚀 What’s Next?

You’ve cloned the course and verified Claude Code has proper context. Now you’re ready for the interactive learning experience.

Module 1.1: Start with TaskFlow, the sample SaaS product you’ll use throughout this course.

Interactive track: Inside Claude Code, type: /start-1-1

About This Course

Created by Carl Vellotti. If you have any feedback about this module or the course overall, message me! I’m building a newsletter and community for PM builders, check out The Full Stack PM.

Source Repository: github.com/carlvellotti/claude-code-pm-course

0.1: Installation1.1: Welcome