Create a GitHub Account
GitHub is where your brain template lives. Think of it like Google Drive for code - it stores all your files and lets you pull updates when new versions are released.
You only need a free account. No paid plan required.
Git vs GitHub
Git is a tool that runs on your computer. It tracks changes to files and lets you sync them with others. Think of it like "Track Changes" in Word, but for entire folders.
GitHub is a website that stores your files online using Git. Your brain template lives on GitHub. When you "clone" it, Git copies everything to your computer.
You need both:
- A GitHub account (sign up on the website)
- Git installed on your computer (download below)
Step 1: Sign Up for GitHub
Go to github.com and click Sign up.
You'll need:
- An email address
- A password
- A username
Step 2: Verify Your Email
GitHub will send you a verification email. Click the link to activate your account.
Step 3: Install Git
Go to git-scm.com/install, choose your operating system, and follow the instructions. The defaults are fine.
What You'll Use GitHub For
- Cloning the brain template - downloading your copy of the brain
- Receiving updates - when new versions are released, you pull updates through Claude
- Backing up your work - your brain is stored safely on GitHub
You won't need to use the GitHub website much after this - Claude Code handles all the interaction with Git and GitHub for you.
Important: Access Token
When you clone the brain template later, you'll need a special command from the 8020brain space in Circle. Look for the pinned post at the top of that space - it contains the exact command you'll give Claude to clone the template. If you can't find it, send Mike a message in Circle.
Keep this command private - it contains an access token that's like a password to the template repository.
Next step: Install Node.js