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 visual editor alongside Claude Code.

Choose Your Tool

Nimbalyst (Recommended)

Best for: Non-technical Claude Code users who want the smoothest experience

Nimbalyst is a free, purpose-built workspace for Claude Code with:

• WYSIWYG markdown editing - See formatted text, not raw markdown syntax
• File diffs - See exactly what Claude changed when editing files
• Hidden folder visibility - Can see the .claude/ folder (unlike some editors)
• Claude Code built-in - Work with Claude directly in Nimbalyst

Download Nimbalyst →

Cursor

Best for: Users who want to use Cursor’s AI features alongside Claude Code

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

• Shows your files visually while you work with Claude
• Has its own AI features you can use alongside Claude Code
• VS Code works too if you prefer it

Download Cursor →

Tool Comparison

Setup Guide

Nimbalyst Setup

1. Download Nimbalyst and run the installer
2. Open Nimbalyst
3. Open your course folder in Nimbalyst
4. Claude Code is built-in - start working!

Cursor Setup

1. Download from cursor.com
2. Run the installer
3. Open Cursor and open your course folder
4. Important: Click “Editor” in the upper left (not “Agents”)
5. Open terminal: `Ctrl+“ (backtick key, above Tab)
6. Type claude and press Enter

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 (in Cursor)
• Nimbalyst: Shows formatted by default

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