How to turn Claude Code into a personal AI agent to assist with writing and research.

Most people think that Claude Code is only for engineers who want to build applications faster. Cursor handles impromptu programming projects very well. Claude web/desktop is perfect for brainstorming, research, and writing. The workflow is very smooth.

 

So when Claude Code launched, the honest reaction from many people was: 'Why complicate a system that already works well?' If you're curious about how to actually apply this new tool to your own work, this is your chance to 'learn' the entire Claude Code manual and start using it in your job.

 

1. How to get started using Claude Code

Installing and running Claude Code on your computer isn't as difficult as you might think. You only need the Claude Pro package if you're a professional user and opt for the Max package. The Pro package works very well for managing newsletters as long as you're not using it for heavy programming projects.

Step 1: Install Claude Code

Now, open Terminal, copy and paste this code:

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

Before installing Claude Code, make sure you have NodeJS installed . If you encounter an error during installation via the Terminal, copy the error code and paste it into the web/desktop version of Claude, and ask for troubleshooting instructions. In most cases, Claude will share the code you need to paste into the terminal, and the process will complete immediately.

Once the process is complete, Claude Code will ask you to connect your Claude account, and you can easily proceed with the next steps.

Step 2: Establish the project structure

To begin using Claude Code with your writing and research project, first create a folder on your computer. In this example, it would be 'AI Maker Newsletter'.

But the problem is that when you work entirely in the terminal, it feels like programming in the dark. You can't see the files, the directory structure, or easily navigate between documents. This is where IDEs come in handy.

Step 3: Use the IDE to manage files visually.

 

To access and manage project files when using Claude Code, you need to use an IDE such as VSCode or Cursor (for example, Cursor!). Open your project folder using your chosen IDE.

Step 4: Check the settings and activate Claude Code.

Now that Claude Code is integrated into your computer, activating it in the terminal is easy. First, go to the Terminal tab in your IDE, simply type 'claude', and Claude Code will be activated.

After you've run Claude Code and opened your project folder in your IDE, try this simple test:

1. In the terminal with Claude Code enabled, type: "Show me which files are in this project".
2. In your IDE, create a new text file named "test.md".
3. Ask Claude Code: "What have I just added to this project?"

If Claude Code can see and describe your new file, you're done. If not, make sure you're in the correct terminal directory where your project folder is located.

2. Claude.md: Project memory system

Now that you've run Claude Code with your IDE, you're probably thinking this is the same as having Claude in the terminal. No, you're wrong!

Most people treat Claude Code like a chat session with file access functionality. They start from scratch every time, explaining their project context over and over again, and wonder why Claude Code doesn't seem much better than regular Claude.

The secret lies in `claude.md` - a special file that acts as a persistent memory system for your project.

Claude.md is Claude Code's brain dedicated to your project. Every time you start a work session, Claude Code reads this file first to understand what it's doing, how you're working, and what your goals are. Without it, Claude Code is like an assistant with amnesia, needing to relearn everything about your project every day.

The actual function of claude.md:

1. Store the project context and maintain it throughout all work sessions.
2. Keep in mind your working style and preferences.
3. Contains your specific instructions on how Claude should assist you.

 

As long as `claude.md` is updated correctly, you don't need to worry about losing context in your project.

How to set up claude.md for a newsletter project

Instead of writing Claude.md from scratch, ask Claude Code to generate it. Here's how:

First, gather all the files related to the newsletter into the project folder "AI Maker Newsletter":

1. Performance data from previous newsletters (views, engagement metrics)
2. All published posts (so Claude can understand your writing style)
3. Newsletter introduction and description page
4. Welcome email
5. A collection of notes from social media
6. Reader feedback and comments have been saved.
7. Content strategy document

After everything has been moved to the directory, open the terminal with Claude Code enabled and run this command:

/init

That's it!

Claude Code will read the entire project directory—every file, every document, every bulletin board data—and automatically create a comprehensive Claude.md file.

The results were amazing. Claude Code created a readable file:

1. Your writing style and tone
2. What kind of content attracts readers?
3. The unique positioning and perspective of the news report.
4. Problems that readers encounter
5. How you structure your papers and research projects.

Now, every time you start a session with Claude Code, it knows you're working with AI Maker newsletter content, understands your writing style, and can offer suggestions that are truly tailored to your style and target audience.

This is why Claude.md is so powerful – it transforms Claude Code from a regular assistant into a specialized team member who understands your project inside and out.