Futurepedia Claude Code Build Framework

// When should you use the Claude Code Build Framework?

Use this skill whenever a user wants to plan, build, iterate, deploy, or troubleshoot a software project using Claude Code, regardless of technical background.

// What do you need before you start building with Claude Code?

• Project idearequired
  A plain-English description of what you want to build — a website, game, tool, extension, app, automation, etc.
• Project folderrequired
  A dedicated folder on your computer where Claude Code will create and edit all files for this project.
• Intended platformrequired
  Where the output should run — browser, mobile, Chrome extension, desktop, etc.
• External tool connections
  Any third-party services to integrate (e.g. Notion, Asana, Google Calendar) via MCPs/Connectors.
• API key
  If the project needs AI model calls (image analysis, text generation, etc.), a funded API key from the relevant provider (e.g. Anthropic Console).
• Assets
  Images, logos, or other files to include — dropped directly into the project folder before building.

// What are the core principles behind building well with Claude Code?

// How do you build and deploy a project with Claude Code step by step?

1. 1

   Create a dedicated project folder

   In Claude Code's desktop app, go to the Code tab and select or create a new folder for this project. Every build needs its own folder. Name it clearly — Claude will read and write all files here.

2. 2

   Drop assets into the project folder before prompting

   If the project needs images, logos, or data files, place them in the folder now. Reference them by filename in your prompt. Do not attach assets in the chat if you can place them in the folder.

3. 3

   Write an initial prompt describing what you want

   Plain English only — describe the end product, core rules, and any functional requirements. You do not need to specify tech stack or implementation details. If the idea is fuzzy, open a separate Claude chat first, explain the idea, and have Claude ask you questions to sharpen it before writing the trigger prompt.

4. 4

   Switch to Plan Mode and send the prompt

   Always use Plan Mode for initial prompts. Claude will map out the plan and ask clarifying questions. Answer each question specifically — if none of the suggested options fit, type what you actually want. Do not skip Plan Mode on the first build of a project.

5. 5

   Review, annotate, and refine the plan

   Read through the plan. If something looks wrong, tell Claude in the prompt box or add notes directly onto the plan and it will revise. Only click 'Accept and allow edits' when you are satisfied. This is your last low-cost correction opportunity before building begins.

6. 6

   Approve permissions and let Claude build

   Claude will request various permissions at the start of the build. Approve them. After the initial burst, it runs autonomously — it creates files, runs commands, tests the output itself, fixes bugs, and re-tests before returning to you. You can run multiple sessions in parallel once you are comfortable, but start with one.

7. 7

   Test the working prototype

   Open the Preview panel or load the output file manually if the preview errors. Test core functionality yourself. Note what works, what is broken, and what you want to change aesthetically or functionally.

8. 8

   Iterate one change at a time

   Switch from Plan Mode to Accept Edit mode for iteration. Submit one change per prompt. Describe the problem and what you want. Use screenshots for visual bugs or console errors. If a change is large or architectural, switch back to Plan Mode for that specific request.

9. 9

   Connect MCPs/Connectors for external tool integration

   Go to Customize → Connectors to browse and connect external services (Google Calendar, Notion, Asana, Stripe, etc.). Also connect Context7 for always-current framework documentation. Manage per-connector permissions (block, require approval, or allow automatically). Once connected, MCPs are available in all sessions.

10. 10

    Add API keys via .env.local — never via chat

    Ask Claude to create the .env.local file. Claude creates a placeholder. You open the file directly in the panel and replace the placeholder with your real key, then save. Confirm with Claude that the key is added and ask it to test. Never paste a live API key into the Claude Code chat.

11. 11

    Run /init to generate the claude.md file

    Type /init and send. Claude scans the project folder and generates a permanent reference document covering the tech stack, architecture, rules, and API references. Run this at meaningful milestones. Ask Claude to update it whenever something significant changes.

12. 12

    Run a security review before going public

    Trigger the built-in security review skill by saying 'run a security check'. Then separately ask: 'Is there anything else I should be aware of before making this live for other people to access?' Fix anything flagged before deployment. If the project handles API keys, user data, or payments, treat this step as non-negotiable.

13. 13

    Set up Git and connect GitHub

    Prompt: 'Check if I have Git installed. If not, install it for me.' Then: 'Connect to GitHub so you can push code on my behalf and walk me through anything that needs manual input.' Follow Claude's step-by-step instructions — this involves installing the GitHub CLI and running one terminal authentication command. You only do this setup once.

14. 14

    Create a GitHub repository and push the code

    Prompt Claude: 'Create a new GitHub repository for this project and push all the current code.' Claude handles it entirely. For all future projects, this is the only prompt needed — setup is already done.

15. 15

    Deploy to Vercel

    Create a Vercel account (free tier is sufficient for personal use). Connect it to your GitHub account. Import the repository. Click Deploy. For projects with API keys, add them manually under Vercel's Environment Variables settings. For projects needing storage (databases, file uploads), set up Neon (database) and Blob (file storage) in Vercel's Storage tab. Any future push to GitHub auto-redeploys — no extra steps.

16. 16

    Manage context and hand off between sessions cleanly

    Before ending a session or when context is getting full, send this prompt: 'Summarize everything important about this project, the architecture, decisions we made, current state, and what's left to do, so I can paste it into a new session.' Start a fresh session, point it at the same folder, paste that summary in. Claude reads claude.md automatically; the summary covers where you left off.

// What are real examples of projects built with this framework?

// What mistakes should you avoid when using Claude Code?

• Skipping Plan Mode on the initial prompt — jumping straight to building means Claude doesn't surface clarifying questions or map architecture, leading to more rebuilding later.
• Bundling multiple change requests into one iterative prompt — changes interact unexpectedly and when something breaks you can't isolate the cause.
• Pasting API keys directly into the Claude Code chat — the chat travels through the web and may be used for model training; always use .env.local.
• Ignoring the context window — as conversation history grows, quality drifts; use /init + a session summary prompt before starting a fresh session rather than letting the context degrade.
• Using Opus for everything when on a limited plan without monitoring usage — Opus is the most token-heavy model; switch to Sonnet for iterative edits to preserve your 5-hour rolling and weekly caps.
• Forgetting to add environment variables manually in Vercel — .env.local is intentionally excluded from GitHub for security, so Vercel won't have the API keys unless you add them in the dashboard.
• Skipping the security review before going public — especially critical if the project handles API keys, user data, or payments.
• Trying to run multiple parallel sessions before mastering the basics — get comfortable with the single-session workflow first.
• Not running /init at meaningful milestones — without claude.md, a fresh session has no permanent project context and Claude has to re-derive architecture from scratch.
• Letting the preview panel error stop you — if the built-in preview fails (known bug), click 'Open file' and load the HTML file manually instead of assuming the build is broken.

// What key terms should you know for Claude Code?

Plan Mode

A Claude Code mode that makes Claude map out the full implementation plan and ask clarifying questions before creating any files. Always used for initial project prompts and major new features.

Accept Edit mode

The standard iterative mode used after the initial build — Claude makes changes directly without requiring a plan review first. Faster for small, targeted iterations.

claude.md

A permanent reference document auto-generated by the /init command that holds everything Claude needs to know about a project long-term: rules, tech stack, architecture, API references, and preferences. Claude reads this automatically at the start of every new session.

/init

A slash command that triggers Claude to scan the project folder and generate the claude.md file automatically.

MCPs (Connectors)

A universal connection protocol — described as 'USB-C for software' — that lets Claude Code plug into external tools and services like Google Calendar, Notion, Asana, Stripe, and more. Found under Customize → Connectors.

Context7

An MCP connector that pulls up-to-date documentation for 50+ frameworks (React, Expo, Tailwind, Vercel, etc.) so Claude always builds against current — not outdated — specs. Recommended to connect regardless of project type.

.env.local

A local-only environment variables file where API keys and secrets are stored safely. The 'local' means it only exists on your machine; it is listed in .gitignore and never pushed to GitHub.

Haiku / Sonnet / Opus

The three Claude Code model tiers. Haiku: fast but not powerful enough for serious building. Sonnet: strong and token-efficient, best for iterative edits. Opus: most powerful, best for initial planning and first builds.

Skills

Reusable workflows built into Claude — described as 'recipe cards for repeatable tasks.' Built-in, community-sourced, or custom. Triggered automatically by natural language or via slash commands. The security review is a built-in skill.

Plugins

Broader than Skills — they cover an entire role or workflow rather than a single task. Community-built plugins are available on GitHub.

Vercel

The deployment platform used to take a project from local (localhost) to live on the web. Connects to GitHub and auto-redeploys whenever new code is pushed. Free tier is sufficient for personal use.

localhost

The address shown in the browser when an app is running locally — it is only accessible on your own machine, not the web. Deployment to Vercel makes it publicly accessible.

Session Summary Prompt

A specific prompt used before ending a session or starting a fresh one: 'Summarize everything important about this project, the architecture, decisions we made, current state, and what's left to do, so I can paste it into a new session.' Pairs with claude.md to give a fresh session full context.

Mobile Responsive Web App

A web app built to work well on mobile screen sizes, accessible via a browser URL on a phone. Distinguished from a true native mobile app. Can be added to the phone's home screen via the browser's 'Add to Home Screen' feature to feel app-like.

API key

A unique string of characters — a digital ID badge — that authorises your app to call an external AI model or service and tracks usage for billing. Funded separately from a Claude subscription (e.g. through the Anthropic Console).

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