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Getting Started with CLIs (Windows PC Edition)

Getting Started with CLIs

A beginner-friendly guide to using command-line interfaces (CLIs) for business professionals who want to unlock the power of AI coding assistants.

This guide is written specifically for Windows PC users.

Mac user? Head to the Mac version instead.

Who This Is For

You're a business professional—maybe you work in operations, finance, marketing, HR, or management. You've probably used Claude through the website (claude.ai) or the desktop app. That's great for conversations, but there's a more powerful way to work with AI.

Claude Code runs in your terminal (command line) and can actually read, write, and edit files on your computer. It's the difference between talking about work and doing work.

This guide will take you from zero to productive, even if you've never opened a terminal in your life.

Why Use a CLI Instead of the Desktop App?

Desktop Claude Claude Code (CLI)
Chat conversations Chat + file access
Copy/paste text manually Read files directly from your computer
Describe what you want Actually create and edit files
Talk about code Run code and commands
Limited context Full access to your projects

The bottom line: Claude Code can do things the desktop app simply cannot. It's like the difference between describing a recipe and having a chef cook it for you.

Guides

Guide Description
What Is a CLI? Gentle intro to command lines for complete beginners
Getting Started with Claude Code Step-by-step setup guide for Windows
Getting Started with GitHub Super simple GitHub guide for non-technical users
Claude Code vs Codex Comparing the two main AI coding assistants
API Keys & Environment Variables Managing credentials and secrets for your projects
Project Ideas Practical things to build for your business
Advanced Power User Guide Aliases, shortcuts, and tools for when you're ready

Recommended Path

  1. Read What Is a CLI? to understand the basics
  2. Follow Getting Started with Claude Code to install and set up
  3. Learn API Keys & Environment Variables when you're ready to connect to external services
  4. Optionally read Claude Code vs Codex to understand your options
  5. Browse Project Ideas to find something useful to build
  6. Level up with the Advanced Guide when you're ready

Prerequisites

Before you start, you'll need:

  1. A Windows PC (Windows 10 or 11)
  2. An Anthropic account — Sign up at claude.ai
  3. Claude Max subscription — $100/month (required for Claude Code)
  4. About 30 minutes — To complete the initial setup

That's it. No programming experience required.

Let's Get Started

Ready? Head to What Is a CLI? to begin your journey, or jump straight to Getting Started with Claude Code if you're eager to dive in.