Tutorial 1: Your First AI-Assisted Feature
Build a complete API feature using Claude Code's Explore → Plan → Code → Commit workflow.
Time: 1-2 hours Level: Beginner Prerequisites: Claude Code installed, Node.js basics
What You'll Build
A user registration API endpoint with:
- Email and password validation
- Password hashing with bcrypt
- Comprehensive test suite
- API documentation
- Automated testing hooks
- Custom review command
Final Result:
Learning Objectives
By the end of this tutorial, you'll be able to:
- ✅ Use the Explore → Plan → Code workflow
- ✅ Leverage Plan Mode for safer development
- ✅ Create and use custom slash commands
- ✅ Configure hooks for automation
- ✅ Manage context effectively
- ✅ Use checkpoints and rewind
- ✅ Integrate with Git properly
Part 1: Project Setup
Step 1.1: Create a New Project
Step 1.2: Start Claude Code
Step 1.3: Configure Claude Settings
Part 2: Explore → Plan → Code Workflow
Step 2.1: EXPLORE Phase
Ask Claude to understand the project:
Why this matters: Claude now understands your project context.
Step 2.2: PLAN Phase (Use Plan Mode)
Activate Plan Mode by pressing Shift+Tab twice:
Exit Plan Mode (Shift+Tab twice again)
Step 2.3: CODE Phase
Now implement the plan:
Created src/server.js:
Key Point: Claude implements based on the plan, ensuring consistency.
Part 3: Add Comprehensive Tests
Step 3.1: Test-Driven Verification
Step 3.3: Run Tests
Part 4: Configure Automation Hooks
Step 4.1: Add Auto-Test Hook
.claude/settings.json:
Step 4.2: Test the Hook
Part 5: Create Custom Slash Commands
Step 5.1: Create Review Command
Step 5.2: Use the Custom Command
Part 6: Documentation
Step 6.1: Generate API Documentation
Successful Response
Status: 201 Created
Error Responses
Status: 400 Bad Request
Status: 400 Bad Request
Examples
cURL:
JavaScript (fetch):
Part 7: Context Management
Step 7.1: Check Context Usage
Step 7.2: Clear Context (Optional)
Part 8: Git Integration & Commit
Step 8.1: Review Changes
Step 8.2: Create Conventional Commit
Part 9: Checkpoint and Rewind (Demo)
Step 9.1: Make a Change
Step 9.2: Decide You Don't Want It
Why this is powerful: Safe experimentation without fear!
Part 10: Extended Thinking (Bonus)
Step 10.1: Use Extended Thinking
-
Migration Strategy:
- Add database connection module
- Create user model with ORM (Sequelize or Prisma)
- Update controller to persist to database
- Add duplicate email check
- Update tests with test database
-
Security Enhancements:
- Add email verification tokens table
- Implement rate limiting
- Add account lockout after failed attempts
Would you like me to implement any of these steps?
Issue: Tests failing
Issue: Context full
Congratulations on completing Tutorial 1! 🎉
You're now ready to use Claude Code effectively in your daily development.
← Back to Tutorials | [Next: Tutorial 2 (Coming Soon)]