Claude Code: Let AI Access Your Local Files – Here's How I Use It

Claude Code is far more than just about code. It’s more like Claude Local or Claude Agent, allowing you to run Claude directly on your local computer. Once you give it permission to access your files, it can do so much more.

Prerequisites:

To run Claude Code, you need to be a Claude Pro/Max subscriber or pay-as-you-go through the API.

How to Install Claude on Your Computer (It’s Easy):

1. Open Your Terminal

2. Copy the Code Below Into Your Terminal, And Press Enter

For Mac Users:

bash

curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash

For Windows Users:

powershell

irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex

💡 Windows Tip: Anthropic strongly recommend installing WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) first for the best experience!

3. Start Using

After installation is complete, type the claude command in any folder, and Claude is ready to go!

After pressing Enter, Claude can run in my Downloads folder.

Ran into problems? Just send the error message to Claude (web version), and its solutions are usually quite reliable.

Recommended Tool: Warp Terminal

Highly recommend using Warp! It’s a terminal with built-in AI, user-friendly interface, and supports natural language input. For example, you can just say “go to Downloads folder” without having to remember those complex paths. It’s a lifesaver for non-tech or anyone unfamiliar with command lines.

How I Use Claude Code:

Claude Code is incredibly powerful. I have to say I’ve barely scratched the surface of what it can do.

1. It helps me with data analysis – just give it a folder, prompt it, and you’re done

2. Obsidian + Claude Code

Obsidian is a local notebook app. Because it’s local, we can let Claude fully manage this notebook.

Here’s an excellent video explaining how to integrate them:

For example, I’m currently learning Python. I directly asked Claude Code to turn Pandas’ Cheatsheet into a Note. After it generates the content, I can tell it things like “This part is too detailed, simplify it,” “Expand more on the GroupBy section,” “I’ve mastered this part, delete it.”

3. I let it help me organize files and folders, and delete duplicate files

4. I might want it to help me organize photos – I haven’t started this project yet, so I am not sure how well it will work

Your creativity is the limit.