Claude Code will fundamentally change the nature of academic...
Mushtaq Bilal, PhD@MushtaqBilalPhD
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Mar 04, 2026
~3 min read
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Claude Code will fundamentally change the nature of academic research.
But most academics don't know how to use it.
Here's how to get started on Claude Code (even if you've never coded).
Claude Code for Academics 101:
But most academics don't know how to use it.
Here's how to get started on Claude Code (even if you've never coded).
Claude Code for Academics 101:
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Before getting started, we need to understand what Claude Code (CC) is.
It's not a simple chatbot.
Think of it as a general-purpose work enviroment that lets you create customized features for your own specific purposes.
It'll become clear by the end of this thread.
It's not a simple chatbot.
Think of it as a general-purpose work enviroment that lets you create customized features for your own specific purposes.
It'll become clear by the end of this thread.
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1. To get started, go to claude[.]com/download and download the Claude desktop app.
You will need a paid plan.
Select the $20/m one. That'll be enough to get you started.
You will need a paid plan.
Select the $20/m one. That'll be enough to get you started.
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2. Go to nodejs[.]org/en
Download and install Node js on your comptuer.
Download and install Node js on your comptuer.
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3. Open Claude desktop app.
On top of your screen, you will see three options: Chat, Cowork, and Code.
Select "Code."
Under the chat box, you'll an option "Ask permissions" selected.
Don't change it (yet). It'll ensure CC doesn't do anything without your permission.
On top of your screen, you will see three options: Chat, Cowork, and Code.
Select "Code."
Under the chat box, you'll an option "Ask permissions" selected.
Don't change it (yet). It'll ensure CC doesn't do anything without your permission.
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4. In the left taskbar, you'll see a "Customize" option.
Click on it and you'll see Tools and Skills.
CC Skills is the most important feature for academic work. It lets you create "Skills" based on your specific requirements.
Click on it and you'll see Tools and Skills.
CC Skills is the most important feature for academic work. It lets you create "Skills" based on your specific requirements.
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5. You can read about Skill in detail here.
In short, Skills are "task-specific and only load when relevant, making them better for specialized workflows."
You'd want to create CC Skills for your own workflows so you can outsource as much academic labor as possible to Claude.
In short, Skills are "task-specific and only load when relevant, making them better for specialized workflows."
You'd want to create CC Skills for your own workflows so you can outsource as much academic labor as possible to Claude.
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6. Before creating Claude Skills, create a folder on your desktop called "Claude Code Main Folder."
Then click on the link under the chat box in Claude Code and select that folder.
Then click on the link under the chat box in Claude Code and select that folder.
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7. To get started, CC needs to create a file called claude[.]md
Go to the Claude Code Main Folder and create a claude md file using the template below.
You can do it Notepad and save the file with .md extension
It doesn't require any coding. Just write in simple English.
Go to the Claude Code Main Folder and create a claude md file using the template below.
You can do it Notepad and save the file with .md extension
It doesn't require any coding. Just write in simple English.
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8. Or, you can create three sepearate md files for the kind of work you do, your writing style, and how you'd like CC to behave.
aboutme md
mywritingstyle md
claudebehaviour md
aboutme md
mywritingstyle md
claudebehaviour md
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9. After you have created these three md files, ask CC to create a claude md file.
CC will read your three files and create a claude md file based on the information given.
It will also ask you permissions before taking any steps.
CC will read your three files and create a claude md file based on the information given.
It will also ask you permissions before taking any steps.
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10. Now if you go to you CC Main Folder, you will see that it has created a claude md file.
You can, of course, edit it as you go.
But in the beginning, don't spend too much time on refining it.
You can, of course, edit it as you go.
But in the beginning, don't spend too much time on refining it.
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11. Once you've set up CC this way, ask it to create a Skill for a specific academic purpose.
For example, create a Skill for brainstorming research questions or reviewing manuscripts.
It will ask permissions and create the Skill you asked for.
For example, create a Skill for brainstorming research questions or reviewing manuscripts.
It will ask permissions and create the Skill you asked for.
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12. These Skill files reside in a folder called "skills" on your computer.
C drive > users > username > .claude > skills
You can edit these Skills files too.
C drive > users > username > .claude > skills
You can edit these Skills files too.
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13. Once a Skill has been created, use the / and it will show in the drop down menu.
Here you can see that /brainstorm skills shows up that I created.
Brainstorm research questions and CC will you very specific answers based on your academic background and project requirements.
Here you can see that /brainstorm skills shows up that I created.
Brainstorm research questions and CC will you very specific answers based on your academic background and project requirements.
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14. You can create Skills for anything you want to automate.
For example, I created a "firstdraft" skill that converts raw transcripts of my webinars into structured and organized handouts I can share with colleagues.
For example, I created a "firstdraft" skill that converts raw transcripts of my webinars into structured and organized handouts I can share with colleagues.
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