If $X$ is a complex manifold, one can define the first Chern class of $L\in \textrm{Pic}\,X$ to be its image in $H^2(X,\textbf Z)$, by using the exponential sequence. So one can write something like $c_1(L)\in H^2(X,\textbf Z)$.
But if $X$ is a scheme (say of finite type) over any field, then I saw a definition of the first Chern class $c_1(L)$ just via its action on the Chow group of $X$, namely, on cycles it works as follows: for a $k$-dimensional subvariety $V\subset X$ one defines
\begin{equation} c_1(L)\cap [V]=[C], \end{equation}
where $L|_V\cong\mathscr O_V(C)$, and $[C]\in A_{k-1}X$ denotes the Weil divisor associated to the Cartier divisor $C\in\textrm{Div}\,V$ (the latter being defined up to linear equivalence). So then one shows that this descends to rational equivalence and we end up with a morphism $c_1(L)\cap -:A_kX\to A_{k-1}X$. So, my naive questions are:
$\textbf{1.}$ Where do Chern classes "live"? (I just saw them defined via their action on $A_\ast X$ so the only thing I can guess is that $c_1(L)\in \textrm{End}\,A_\ast X$ but does that make sense?)
$\textbf{2.}$ How to recover the complex definition by using the general one that I gave?
$\textbf{3.}$ Are there any references where to learn about Chern classes from the very beginning, possibly with the aid of concrete examples?
Thank you!