Claude Code Setup: The Steps Everyone Skips That Cost You Credits

📢 Join Our Workshop: https://go.vcinc.ai/claudecode Watch the full Claude Code course we built to go deeper and start building your own AI systems step-by-step: [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLouep20JDz2MNV-AkCggOFcawQM_eG6pP&si=iwFqNiSCSK11lX_y](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLouep20JDz2MNV-AkCggOFcawQM_eG6pP&si=iwFqNiSCSK11lX_y) Here's what nobody tells you about Claude Code — the installation isn't the hard part. It's what you're NOT doing after the install, and the order you're doing it in. I've trained 2,700+ students on AI tools, and this is the exact foundation-first setup I wish I had when I started. SOPs: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1CFfShM5NTeM4lzuMs7dQMay0OdpdzO3h?usp=sharing TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Why Claude Code “works” then breaks after 3 days 0:32 The setup order that saves credits + completes apps 0:49 What Claude Code actually is (vs chat-style tools) 1:44 The missing step: Claude.md (global + project rules) 2:38 Skills: adding capabilities Claude doesn’t have 3:24 Commands → Agents: “one command, six agents” workflow 4:00 Why this comes BEFORE you build the app 5:05 How sub-agents reduce memory + credit burn 6:25 Workspaces explained: Terminal vs IDE vs AI IDE 8:28 Windows vs Mac install approach (beginner-friendly) 10:15 Max Plan vs Pro Plan (API key vs included credits) 12:52 Why Node.js is required (packages + updates) 14:14 Install Node.js (Windows) + Mac note (Homebrew) 18:43 Install VS Code + quick tour (terminal/extensions) 22:04 Install Claude Code extension in VS Code 23:26 Fix the Git Bash requirement on Windows 26:18 Workspace Trust mode setup in VS Code 27:24 Install Claude CLI + PATH environment variable 29:36 Optional: install Claude desktop app 31:14 Security rules: API keys, .env, gitignore 32:12 Install checklist + ready for Lesson 2 #ClaudeCode #AICoding #vscode 🔥 30-Day FREE GoHighLevel Trial + Exclusive Bonuses https://live.automatedmarketer.net/automated-marketer-ghl ❌ IMPORTANT ❌: Don't use an ad blocker or chrome extension ad blocker when clicking on the link, it will block affiliate tracking and you will NOT receive any of my bonuses. 🎓 GoHighLevel Masterclass + Plug-and-Play Templates. Enroll Now https://www.udemy.com/course/gohighlevel-masterclass-from-beginner-to-expert/?couponCode=GHLMASTERCLASS 📣 Join Our Free Skool Community For HighLevel, n8n, AI & Automation. https://www.skool.com/automatedmarketer 🛠️ Want a Done-For-You HighLevel system or need staffing for your SaaS? Let our team do the heavy lifting for you → https://arcytex.com/ 📩 Get our weekly newsletter – GHL, AI, Tech & Growth Tips https://live.automatedmarketer.net/newsletter 🚨 VIP Office Hours – Live Expert Help https://live.automatedmarketer.net/vipaccess 💡 Weekly Blog – Tools, Tips, Strategies https://automatedmarketer.net/blog/ 👀 Full GHL Tutorial Playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLouep20JDz2MDPra9KuNvIdpRbeoFocon&si=7sES7XO4evkvkqLV #nunotavares #nunomtavares #automatedmarketer #gohighlevel #gohighlevelexpert #AI #techupdates 🧠 Must-Have Tools We Use & Love 💲 HighLevel (Main Tool) https://live.automatedmarketer.net/automated-marketer-ghl 😍 FGFunnels (for Coaches & Creators) https://www.fgfunnels.com/backdoor?fpr=nuno-25 🥇 HLProTools (Top 3rd-Party Add-ons) https://go.hlprotools.com/hlpt?_go=nuno62 🧠 Lovable AI (Build Smart AI Bots) https://lovable.dev/?via=nuno-tavares 🚀 Vibe Coding Incubator (AI Dev Skills) https://vcinc.ai/ 📞 Wavv (Triple Calls, Block Spam) https://refer.wavv.com/?fpr=wuk2w 💥 SocialBee (Social Media Scheduler) https://get.socialbee.io/iiu661jano2g 🛡️ AccessiBe (Instant ADA Compliance) https://accessibe.com/a/a3e0cya ⚡️ BUSINESS INQUIRIES ⚡️ team@automatedmarketer.net ⚠ Disclosure: We are an independent entity from HighLevel. We are not agents or employees of HighLevel and have no authority to make binding contract or represent HighLevel. We receive referral payments from HighLevel. The opinions expressed here are Our own and shall NOT be interpreted or considered as representations, guarantees, or statements made by HighLevel Inc or any of its subsidiaries, agents, or assigns. Results not guaranteed.