When you're building a new program with Claude Code, here's an eight-step process that works really well.

First, establish your rules. This is what goes into your CLAUDE.md file - the constraints, conventions, and guidelines that Claude needs to follow.

Second, work on your specification. What exactly needs to be built? Get this clear before you start coding.

Third, do your research and planning. Let Claude help you explore the problem space and plan the architecture.

Fourth, define your types, classes, and persistence model. This is your data foundation.

Fifth, tackle the database design. Get your schema right early.

Sixth - and this is where it gets fun - fake a proof of concept with AI. Use Claude to quickly validate your ideas.

Seventh, build out your backend processes and API.

And finally, eighth, implement your front-end.

This systematic approach keeps you organized and ensures you're building on solid foundations at each step.