Build an AI Second Brain with Claude Code
Turn a local folder of plain Markdown notes into an AI-readable knowledge base that Claude Code can search, summarize, and write back into using its built-in file tools and a CLAUDE.md memory file.
Prerequisites: a terminal, Node.js 18+ (only if installing via npm) or no dependencies at all if using the native installer, a Claude.ai Pro/Max/Team/Enterprise subscription or Claude Console account, and basic comfort with Markdown files.
A 'second brain' is a personal knowledge system — a folder of notes that captures what you read, learn, and decide — that actually talks back instead of sitting there. In this project you'll set up Claude Code, Anthropic's agentic coding and automation tool, pointed at a folder of Markdown notes. By the end, you'll be able to ask Claude Code questions about your own notes in natural language, have it create new notes in a consistent format, and give it a persistent memory file (CLAUDE.md) so it doesn't start from zero every session.
Claude Code runs locally in your terminal and reads files directly from your filesystem — there is no separate vector database or backend server required for this first version. It asks permission before writing or modifying files, which makes it safe to experiment with on a real notes folder.
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