---
id: "framework-claude-code-setup"
type: "framework"
source_timestamps: ["00:02:05", "00:03:22"]
tags: ["setup-guide", "local-environment"]
related: ["tool-claude-code", "tool-vs-code", "concept-claude-code-skills", "action-setup-local-skill-folder"]
steps_count: 6
---
# Local Claude Code Setup for Automation

## Purpose

This framework provides the foundational steps required to move away from web-based AI interfaces and establish a local, persistent AI agent environment. By installing [[tool-claude-code]] as an extension within [[tool-vs-code]] and pointing it to a specific local directory, users create a workspace where the AI can read, write, and save files directly to their hard drive.

This setup is the prerequisite for building automated [[concept-claude-code-skills]], as it allows Claude to maintain a running log of brand assets, API keys, and operational instructions that persist across different sessions.

## Steps

1. Download and install **Visual Studio Code (VS Code)** to your computer — see [[tool-vs-code]].
2. Navigate to the Extensions marketplace within VS Code and search for 'Claude Code'.
3. Install the **Claude Code** extension by Anthropic — see [[tool-claude-code]] and [[entity-org-anthropic]].
4. Create a new, dedicated folder on your computer's desktop (e.g., 'Social Media Assets').
5. In VS Code, go to **File > Open Folder** and select the newly created desktop folder.
6. Open the Claude Code chat interface within VS Code and begin prompting to build your skills — knowing all context will be saved to that local folder.

The operational version of step 4–6 is captured in [[action-setup-local-skill-folder]].

## Prerequisites

- [[prereq-api-knowledge]] becomes important once you start connecting Claude to [[tool-arvow]] and [[tool-blotato]].
- [[prereq-brand-assets]] should be ready before you build your first skill.

## What This Unlocks

Once complete, this setup is the launchpad for [[framework-autonomous-content-engine]], the master pipeline that orchestrates the entire SEO + social automation system.