- Install Claude Code — Official quickstart. Pin a stable version if needed.
- Set up Git — Back up important files. Every project should have version control before you start delegating.
- Write your first CLAUDE.md — 15 minutes. Tech stack, build commands, top 3 conventions. Full guide →
- Set up terminal aliases —
cfor claude,chfor chrome mode. Terminal setup → - Configure status line —
/statuslineto show context usage and branch. Terminal setup → - Build your skills stack — Browse skills.sh and
npx skills search <keyword>. Skills stack → - Set up hooks — Auto-lint, block .env commits. Hooks playbook →
- Wire up MCP — GitHub MCP at minimum. MCP wiring →
- Try voice input — run
/voice, then holdSpaceto dictate. Voice dictation docs → - Run your first plan-then-execute cycle — Enter
/plan, define the task, review the plan, execute. Workflow patterns → - Try 2 parallel sessions — Open two terminal tabs, run Claude in each. Parallel execution →
- Read common pitfalls — Common pitfalls →
Quick Reference
Onboarding Checklist
Quick-start checklist for engineers setting up Claude Code — all actions, no explanations.
Get from zero to productive in 30 minutes. Each item links to the full guide if you need details.