02

let's get you set up

first, choose your operating system. select the one you're using right now and we'll tailor everything for you.

we're going to install everything step by step. each command is copy-paste — you don't need to memorize anything. just follow along.

the whole thing takes about 5 minutes. let's go.

1

open your terminal

alright, let's get going. first we need to open the terminal — this is where you'll type all the commands.

Mac Users

the easiest way to open Terminal on Mac:

  • 1.press ⌘ + space to open Spotlight Search
  • 2.type “Terminal”
  • 3.press enter

tip: you're going to be using Terminal a lot, so let's add it to your dock. right-click the Terminal icon in your dock and select Options → Keep in Dock. now it'll always be there when you need it.

2

install node.js

node.js is the engine that lets JavaScript run on your computer. you need it to install and run your AI coding tools. don't worry about what it does — just install it.

first, we'll install Homebrew — think of it like an app store for developer tools. paste this into your terminal:

terminal
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

it might ask for your password (the one you use to log into your Mac). when you type it, you won't see any characters appear on screen — that's totally normal, it's a security thing. just type it and press enter.

once Homebrew is done, install Node.js:

terminal
brew install node

to check that it worked, type:

terminal
node --version

you should see a version number like v22.x.x. if you do, you're good.

3

install git

git is a tool developers use to save and track code. some of the AI tools need it. let's make sure you have it.

check if you already have it:

terminal
git --version

if you see a version number, you're good — skip to the next step. if you get an error, install it:

terminal
brew install git
4

pick your AI coding tool

now the fun part. pick which AI you want to code with. they both do the same thing — you describe what you want in plain english, and they write the code. pick whichever one you want.

free

claude code

claude code is a terminal tool made by Anthropic. it's like having a coding partner that you talk to by typing. you tell it what to build, it writes the code, you tell it what to change, it fixes it.

first — get an account

head to code.claude.com and create your account. this gives you access to the AI. follow the steps on that page — it only takes a minute.

then — install it

back in your terminal, paste this:

terminal
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

this downloads and installs Claude Code on your computer. might take a minute.

5

create your project and start coding

almost there. let's make a folder for your project and fire up your AI tool.

first, let's go to your Desktop — that way your project ends up somewhere you can actually find it:

terminal
cd ~/Desktop

now create a new folder for your project and move into it:

terminal
mkdir my-first-app
cd my-first-app

mkdir creates a new folder. cd moves you into it. you should see a folder called “my-first-app” appear on your Desktop.

now launch your AI:

terminal
claude

it might ask you to log in the first time — follow the prompts. once you see a prompt waiting for your input, you're in.

you're all set.

that's it. you now have:

  • ✓Node.js installed on your computer
  • ✓git ready to go
  • ✓Claude Code installed and running
  • ✓a project folder ready for your first app

head to the build section now — that's where you'll tell the AI what to build and watch it come to life.

monad school

continue to first build→