Module 4

The Developer

You have a working local development environment and can navigate code with AI assistance. You understand the fundamentals: files, folders, terminal, git, dependencies.

Estimated time: 4–6 hrsPrimary tool: VS Code, GitHub, Claude Desktop (or Cursor)8 drills

The developer workflow is not about memorizing syntax. It is about understanding the topology of a project — what connects to what, where things live, how changes propagate. AI handles syntax. You handle architecture.

Drills in this module

4.1

The Terminal

After this drill, you can navigate your file system, create and delete files, and run commands — using the terminal without fear.

30 min

4.2

The Editor

After this drill, you have VS Code configured and oriented — you can open a project, navigate its files, and use the integrated terminal.

25 min

4.3

The Clone

After this drill, you can clone any GitHub repository to your local machine, run it, and understand the project structure.

25 min

4.4

The Change

After this drill, you have made a code change manually, committed it with git, and seen it deploy automatically to Vercel.

25 min

4.5

The Companion

After this drill, you are using Claude Desktop (or Cursor) as an active companion during development — asking it to explain, suggest, and guide rather than just answering questions.

40 min

4.6

The Debugger

After this drill, you have a systematic process for diagnosing and fixing errors — using AI to translate error messages and find root causes.

25 min

4.7

The Feature

After this drill, you have added a new feature to your existing app using AI guidance — navigating unfamiliar code with confidence.

45 min

4.8

The Branch

After this drill, you can create a feature branch, work on it safely, merge it to main, and resolve a simple conflict.

30 min

Module sample project

The Enhanced App

Take your Module 3 Lovable project and enhance it locally in VS Code with Claude Desktop assistance. Add a new feature, implement it in 3 steps, resolve a conflict, and deploy the final version.

·An enhanced version of your Module 3 app with at least one new feature
·At least 5 Git commits with meaningful messages (not just "update")
·Feature deployed to Vercel at your live URL

Key lesson

“A developer is not someone who memorizes code. A developer is someone who can navigate a system, understand its structure, and make precise changes. AI is the best navigation system ever built.”