Course IntroductionLesson 4 of 6
Prerequisites
This course has almost no prerequisites. Here is what you need — and what you can ignore.
The short answer
If you finished What is Claude? and Getting Started, you are ready for the rest of the course.
- A device with a web browser (phone, tablet, or computer)
- A free Claude account at claude.ai
- Basic reading and typing in English (this course is in English)
- Willingness to try prompts and see what works
No coding background required. You will use Claude through chat unless you later choose the optional Claude Code section.
What you do not need
Common assumptions that do not apply here:
- Programming experience — Claude Code is optional, and even there Claude writes the code
- Machine learning or AI theory — you only need to know how to talk to the tool
- A paid subscription — the free tier covers these lessons
- Prior experience with ChatGPT, Gemini, or other chat tools
- Special hardware — Claude runs in the browser; no GPU or local install required
Who this course is for
Lessons start from basics. Later sections go deeper on Code, Cowork, and Plugins for people who want them.
| Background | Fit |
|---|---|
| Complete beginner | New to Claude; want everyday writing and Q&A |
| Some chat-tool experience | Used ChatGPT or Gemini casually |
| Daily power user | Already rely on Claude or similar tools |
Check your setup
Three quick checks before you move on.
Check 1 — claude.ai loads
claude.ai
C
Claude is loading…
Check 2 — you are logged in
claude.ai
How can I help you?
Message Claude…
↑
Write codeSummarise docExplain concept
Check 3 — send a test message
claude.ai
Hello Claude
C
Hello! I'm Claude, an AI assistant from Anthropic. What can I help you with?
All three passed? You are set up for the rest of the course.
Optional but helpful
Not required, but real material makes some lessons easier to follow:
- A document or article you actually want summarised
- An email or message you want rewritten
- A problem you are working on now — use Claude on it as you learn
Before you continue
- Browser plus free account is enough — no coding or paid plan required.
- Beginners and experienced users can both follow; skip ahead if you already know chat basics.
- Run the three setup checks if anything failed during sign-up.
- Next lesson: use cases across Chat, Code, Cowork, and Plugins.
What's Next
A tour of what each Claude product is good for — chat, code, cowork, and extensions.