Vibe Coding for Non-Technical Founders: Claude Code CLI Workflow

Vibe Coding: Terminal-First with Claude Code CLI

Vibe coding is building software by describing what you want in natural language while AI handles the code. No syntax knowledge required.

After testing every approach, Claude Code CLI in the terminal (npm pinned version) with Opus 4.5 is the most reliable for non-technical founders. VSCode and Cursor both fail at proper context sharing. Terminal workflow is simpler, faster, and more predictable.

This guide shares my exact CLI setup and prompts that let non-technical people ship production software.

Why Terminal + Claude Code CLI Beats VSCode/Cursor

VSCode/Cursor problems:

Poor automatic context (files not included properly)
Confusing diff previews
Context window pollution from open files
IDE-specific quirks

Claude Code CLI advantages:

Clean context control (you decide exactly what Claude sees)
Terminal diff tools (git diff, delta) are superior
No IDE overhead or extensions to manage
Works with any editor (Vim, Nano, even Notepad)
Predictable behavior across machines/projects

Step 1: Pin Claude Code CLI Version

Install the December 2025 version that works best:

npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code@1.2.5

Pin version in package.json or shell profile:

npm config set @anthropic-ai:registry https://registry.npmjs.org/
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code@1.2.5 --save-exact

Verify version:

claude-code --version
# Should show 1.2.5 (Dec 2025)

Later CLI versions (Jan 2026+) introduced bugs that degraded coding performance. Pinning ensures consistency.

Disable auto-updates:

npm config set save-exact true

Step 2: Claude.md - Your Project Brain

Without Claude.md, Claude creates duplicate code everywhere. Updates become impossible.

Create CLAUDE.md in project root:

# Project Instructions

## Architecture Rules
- React frontend + Node.js/Express backend
- PostgreSQL database with Prisma ORM
- MVC pattern strictly enforced
- Single source of truth for all data

## Code Quality
- ES6+ syntax everywhere
- No inline functions >5 lines
- Extract ALL repeated logic to utils/services
- Functions = single responsibility only
- TypeScript everywhere, no exceptions

## File Structure
src/
  components/     # UI only, no logic
  utils/          # Shared pure functions
  services/       # Business logic
  hooks/          # Custom React hooks

## NEVER Do This
- Copy-paste code between files
- Band-aid bug fixes (fix root cause)
- console.log in production code
- TODO comments instead of proper fixes
- Ignore TypeScript errors

Usage: Claude Code CLI automatically includes CLAUDE.md in every conversation.

Maintenance: Update Claude.md as your project evolves. Clear context periodically to reload it.

Step 3: Always Planning Mode First

Planning mode forces Claude to think before coding.

Standard prompt template:

PLAN MODE: Research entire codebase first.

1. Read CLAUDE.md completely
2. Identify ALL reusable existing functions
3. Map exact file changes needed
4. List dependencies to install
5. Write comprehensive test plan

Output ONLY the plan. No code until approved.

Review checklist:

Reuses existing code? (no copy-paste)
Follows CLAUDE.md structure?
Minimal file changes?
Includes tests?
Solves root cause?

Approve: “Plan approved. Implement exactly as written.”

Step 4: Anti-Lazy Prompts

Claude is brilliant but lazy. Be explicit.

Bad: “Fix login bug”

Good:

CRITICAL: Read CLAUDE.md first.

DEBUGGING PROTOCOL:
1. Take step back from bug, examine holistically
2. Trace through entire codebase
3. Identify ROOT CAUSE, not symptoms
4. REUSE existing services/utils - ZERO copy-paste
5. Update ALL affected files consistently
6. Add tests covering fix + edge cases
7. Follow CLAUDE.md architecture exactly

Task: User cannot login after registration. Research the issue completely before coding.

Plan first. Implement only after approval.

Magic phrases:

“Research entire codebase first”
“REUSE existing code - ZERO copy-paste”
“Root cause analysis, not symptoms”
“Holistic examination”
“Comprehensive tests first”

Step 5: Context Management

Clear Context Command:

claude-code --clear "Clear context. Reload CLAUDE.md. Start fresh."

When to clear:

Major changes (new files, architecture)
Claude repeats or hallucinates
Context >80% full
After completing features

Update Claude.md:

claude-code "Review CLAUDE.md. Update with new patterns from recent work."

Step 6: Terminal Workflow

Project structure (always):

project/
├── CLAUDE.md      # Claude's brain
├── README.md
├── src/
│   ├── components/
│   ├── utils/
│   ├── services/
│   └── hooks/
├── package.json
└── tests/

Daily routine:

cd project
git pull (stay current)
claude-code --clear "Reload CLAUDE.md"
Write anti-lazy prompt with planning mode
Review/approve plan
claude-code "Implement approved plan exactly"
git diff --stat (review changes)
npm test (run tests)
git commit -m "feat: [description]"
Update CLAUDE.md with new patterns

Pro tip: Use delta for beautiful git diffs:

git diff | delta

Claude Code CLI Commands

Start session with context:

claude-code "Your prompt here"

Clear context:

claude-code --clear "Start fresh"

Specific files:

claude-code --files src/services/auth.js "Fix auth bug"

Multiple files:

claude-code --files CLAUDE.md src/services/*.js "Refactor services"

Shell integration:

alias cc="claude-code"

Common Non-Technical Mistakes

1. Wrong CLI Version

Jan 2026+ CLI versions degraded. Pin npm to Dec 2025 version (1.2.5).

2. No CLAUDE.md

Duplicate code everywhere. Updates become impossible.

3. Lazy Prompts

‘Fix bug’ = band-aids that break later.

4. Skip Planning Mode

Claude codes without understanding architecture.

5. Context Overflow

Never clearing = garbage responses.

6. Poor File Structure

Claude can’t understand unorganized projects.

Real Results from Non-Technical Founders

Founder A (e-commerce):

Week 1: Learned basics
Week 4: Shipped MVP with Stripe payments
Week 8: Live with 100 customers

Founder B (SaaS):

Zero coding experience
Built authentication + database layer
Integrated Stripe in 3 days

Founder C (mobile app):

Used this workflow + React Native
Production app in 6 weeks solo

Why Terminal Works for Non-Technical Users

Zero IDE Complexity

No extensions to install
No settings to configure
No UI to learn
No context pollution

VSCode/Cursor pain points for beginners:

50+ extensions conflict
Settings.json nightmares
“Why isn’t my context working?”
Diff previews confuse more than help

Predictable Context Control

claude-code --files CLAUDE.md src/app.js "Add login"

You explicitly tell Claude what to see. No guessing, no IDE magic failing silently.

Copy-Paste Friendly

Every prompt is a command you can save, share, and reuse:

# Save your best prompts
echo 'claude-code --clear "Reload CLAUDE.md"' > ~/scripts/claude-reset.sh

Works Everywhere

SSH into server? Works.
Old laptop? Works.
Different OS? Works.

IDEs break across environments. Terminal is universal.

Cost Breakdown

Claude API: $0.10-0.50 per session (depending on complexity) Total: ~$25/month for unlimited development

vs $100k+ hiring a junior developer.

The Mantra

“Specific instructions + planning mode + CLAUDE.md + context management = production software”

Non-technical founders can now build at dev speed.

Getting Started Checklist

Day 1: Setup

Install Node.js
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code@1.2.5
Verify with claude-code --version
Get Claude API key

Day 2: First Project

Create project folder
Write CLAUDE.md file
Run git init
Practice with TODO app

Day 3: Real Project

Clear CLAUDE.md template
Define your app architecture
Use planning mode for first feature
Build iteratively

Week 2: Mastery

Refine CLAUDE.md based on learnings
Create prompt templates
Build your actual SaaS MVP

Advanced Tips

Prompt Templates

Save common prompts:

# ~/claude-prompts/new-feature.txt
PLAN MODE: Research codebase first.

1. Read CLAUDE.md
2. Find reusable code
3. Plan minimal changes
4. Include tests

Feature: [DESCRIBE HERE]

Use with:

claude-code "$(cat ~/claude-prompts/new-feature.txt)"

Git Integration

Commit CLAUDE.md changes:

git add CLAUDE.md
git commit -m "docs: update architecture patterns"

This creates a history of your project’s evolution.

Team Workflow

Share CLAUDE.md with teammates:

Everyone follows same patterns
New developers onboard instantly
Claude gives consistent results across team

Multi-Project Setup

Different CLAUDE.md for each project:

~/projects/saas-app/CLAUDE.md
~/projects/mobile-app/CLAUDE.md
~/projects/landing-page/CLAUDE.md

Each optimized for its specific stack and patterns.

Troubleshooting

Claude Ignores CLAUDE.md

Solution: Clear context and explicitly mention it:

claude-code --clear "Read CLAUDE.md carefully. Follow all rules strictly."

Duplicate Code Appears

Solution: Add to CLAUDE.md:

## CRITICAL RULE
Before writing ANY code:
1. Search entire codebase for similar functions
2. REUSE existing code
3. Only create new code if nothing exists
4. NEVER copy-paste between files

Plans Too Vague

Solution: Be more specific in your prompt:

PLAN MODE with EXTREME detail:
- Exact file paths
- Exact function names
- Line numbers where changes go
- Before/after code examples

Context Fills Too Fast

Solution: Use --files to be selective:

claude-code --files CLAUDE.md src/auth/* "Fix login"

Only includes relevant files, saves context space.

Resources

Claude Code CLI: https://www.npmjs.com/package/@anthropic-ai/claude-code
Git delta (better diffs): https://github.com/dandavison/delta
Terminal tips: https://github.com/jlevy/the-art-of-command-line

Conclusion

Stop thinking “I can’t code.” Start thinking “I know what I want, and I know how to get Claude to build it.”

Next steps:

npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code@1.2.5
Create your first CLAUDE.md file
Practice with a simple project (TODO app)
Build your real SaaS idea

Vibe coding isn’t magic. It’s a repeatable process any motivated founder can master.

The terminal-first approach removes IDE complexity while giving you precise control. Claude Code CLI + good prompts + CLAUDE.md = professional software from non-technical founders.

Now go build.