1.2: File Exploration & Visual Workspace

• Time to Complete: 15 minutes

Interactive lesson: Run /start-1-2 in Claude Code

The Dual-Pane Workflow

Problem: Terminal is great for talking to Claude, but you can’t see your files.

Solution: Use a code editor alongside Claude Code.

Setting Up Cursor (or VS Code)

Cursor is a free code editor that works perfectly alongside Claude Code:

• Shows your files visually while you work with Claude
• Has its own AI features (you don’t need them - Claude Code is better)
• VS Code works too if you prefer it

Installation

1. Download from cursor.com
2. Run the installer
3. Open Cursor

Running Claude Code Inside Your Editor

1. Open terminal in Cursor: `Ctrl+“ (backtick key, above Tab)
   • Or: View → Terminal
2. Navigate to your folder: cd ~/Documents/your-folder
3. Type claude and press Enter

Now you have files visible on the left, Claude in the terminal below.

Exploring Unfamiliar File Structures

Once Claude Code is running, you can ask:

Show me the file structure

Summarize the contents of the docs/ folder

What files are in this project?

Claude can map out any folder of documents for you.

Markdown Files

• .md extension = Markdown format
• Common standard for documents - LLMs love it
• Preview mode: Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+V shows formatted view
• Raw mode: Shows the markup

Real-World Applications

• Inherit a project from a coworker - Claude maps it out
• Client sends messy brand assets - get oriented in minutes
• Downloads folder chaos - Claude helps clean up
• Starting a new job - understand the team’s shared drive
• Any unfamiliar file structure

What’s Next

1.3: Working with Files → - Master the @ symbol and file operation patterns