2.1: Setup

What is Vibe Coding?

Vibe Coding is building software by describing what you want instead of writing code.

Instead of learning to code, you learn three essential skills:

1. Clarity about objectives – Know what you want
2. Constructive feedback – Tell Claude what to improve
3. Quality recognition – Know when it’s done

Your role is orchestration, not implementation.

The PM/Engineer Dynamic

Think of this like working with a developer:

This mirrors how non-technical founders work with engineers—you don’t need to code, but you need to communicate effectively.

The Build Loop

Every project follows this cycle:

┌─────────┐
│  Plan   │ ← Define what you're building
└────┬────┘
     ↓
┌─────────┐
│  Build  │ ← Claude creates it
└────┬────┘
     ↓
┌─────────┐
│ Iterate │ ← Refine with feedback
└────┬────┘
     ↓
┌─────────┐
│  Save   │ ← Push to GitHub
└────┬────┘
     ↓
┌─────────┐
│ Go Live │ ← Deploy to the web
└─────────┘

Technical Context (You Don’t Need to Understand This)

Claude uses Next.js as the framework. Think of it as a pre-built foundation that handles all the complex stuff.

The code is written in JavaScript, which powers website interactivity. You don’t need to learn it—Claude handles all of this.

Key insight: You can build sophisticated apps without understanding the underlying technology. Focus on what you want, not how it works.

Setting Up Your Project

1. Create a project folder

mkdir my-quiz-app
cd my-quiz-app

2. Start Claude Code

claude

3. Initialize the project

Tell Claude:

Set up a new Next.js project for a personality quiz app

Claude will create the project structure for you.

What Claude Creates

After initialization, your folder will contain:

my-quiz-app/
├── app/                 # Your app's pages
├── components/          # Reusable UI pieces
├── public/              # Static files (images, etc.)
├── package.json         # Project configuration
└── ...other files

You don’t need to understand these files—Claude manages them.

Starting the Interactive Lesson

In the course materials folder:

claude

Then run:

start 2-1

Claude will guide you through setting up your first vibe coding project.

Next up: Define your requirements with a structured planning process.