Before you can work with Claude at Level 2, you need two things installed on your computer: Visual Studio Code (VS Code) and the Claude Code extension. That is it. Both are free.

This module walks you through what each one is, why you need it, and how to get it running.

What Is VS Code?

Visual Studio Code is a text editor made by Microsoft. Do not let the word “Visual Studio” scare you — it is not complicated software. Think of it as Notepad or TextEdit, but significantly smarter. It knows how to open folders, display files side by side, and connect to extensions that add functionality.

You do not need to be a developer to use it. For this course, you are using VS Code as a workspace — a place where your Amazon business files live, and where Claude Code can read and write them.

VS Code is free. Download it at code.visualstudio.com.

What Is the Claude Code Extension?

Claude Code is an extension that runs inside VS Code. It gives you a panel where you can have a conversation with Claude — but unlike the Claude.ai website, Claude Code has direct access to the files and folders in your VS Code workspace.

This is the key difference:

Claude.ai (browser)	Claude Code (VS Code extension)
You type in a chat window	Claude can read files from your workspace
No memory between sessions	CLAUDE.md and MEMORY.md persist across sessions
You copy-paste data in	Claude works directly on your files
Output appears in the chat	Output can be written directly to files in your folder
Starts fresh every time	Always aware of your business context

Claude Code requires a Claude subscription (Claude Pro or Claude for Teams). If you already use Claude.ai, you likely already have a subscription that works.

How to Install: Watch the Video

The fastest way to get set up is to watch this walkthrough. It covers installing VS Code, adding the Claude Code extension, and opening your first workspace:

For additional reference, Anthropic’s official course Claude Code in Action covers the full workflow from install through advanced use. It is free, takes about an hour, and comes with a certificate.

Step-by-Step Summary

1. Download VS Code from code.visualstudio.com — available for Windows and Mac.
2. Install it. Follow the default installer options. No customization needed.
3. Open VS Code. Click the Extensions icon on the left sidebar (it looks like four squares).
4. Search for “Claude Code” in the extensions marketplace and install it.
5. Sign in with your Claude account when prompted.
6. Open a folder. Go to File > Open Folder and select (or create) a folder for your Amazon business. This is your workspace.
7. Open the Claude Code panel. Click the Claude icon in the sidebar or use the keyboard shortcut shown after install.

Once Claude Code is running and your folder is open, you are ready to start building your AI workspace in the next modules.

A Note on Cost

VS Code: free. Claude Code extension: free. Claude subscription: required. If you are on Claude Pro ($20/month), that is sufficient for everything in this course.

Troubleshooting

If the extension asks you to install Claude Code CLI separately, follow the on-screen instructions — it is a one-click process. If you run into any issues, the official Claude Code documentation has a troubleshooting section.