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Getting Started with Claude Code

A comprehensive guide to installing and configuring Claude Code for your development workflow

beginner
10 min
getting-startedinstallationsetupbeginner
By Claude Directory

Getting Started with Claude Code

Claude Code is an agentic coding tool that lives in your terminal. This guide will get you up and running quickly.

Prerequisites

  • Node.js 18 or higher
  • A terminal (macOS Terminal, iTerm2, Windows Terminal, etc.)
  • An Anthropic API key or Claude Pro/Team subscription

Installation

Using npm (Recommended)

npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

Verify Installation

claude --version

Authentication

Option 1: API Key

export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=sk-ant-xxxxx

Option 2: Browser Login

claude login

First Session

Start Claude Code

# In any project directory
cd my-project
claude

Basic Commands

| Command | Description | |---------|-------------| | Just type | Ask Claude anything | | /help | Show available commands | | /clear | Clear conversation history | | /exit | Exit Claude Code |

Quick Examples

Ask about your code

What does the main function in app.js do?

Make changes

Add error handling to the API endpoint in routes/users.js

Run commands

Run the test suite and fix any failures

Explore codebase

How is authentication implemented in this project?

Project Setup

Create CLAUDE.md

Add context about your project:

echo "# My Project

Built with React and Node.js.

## Commands
- npm run dev - Start dev server
- npm test - Run tests

## Conventions
- Use TypeScript
- Follow ESLint rules" > CLAUDE.md

Key Features

Tool Permissions

Claude will ask before:

  • Writing or editing files
  • Running shell commands
  • Accessing external services

Context Awareness

Claude Code automatically:

  • Reads relevant files
  • Understands project structure
  • Maintains conversation history

Multi-File Operations

Claude can:

  • Edit multiple files atomically
  • Create new files and directories
  • Refactor across the codebase

Keyboard Shortcuts

| Shortcut | Action | |----------|--------| | Ctrl+C | Cancel current operation | | Ctrl+D | Exit Claude Code | | Up Arrow | Previous message | | Tab | Auto-complete file paths |

Next Steps

  1. Add memory: Create a CLAUDE.md file for your project
  2. Try slash commands: Use /help to see available commands
  3. Set up MCP: Connect external tools and services
  4. Create hooks: Automate repetitive tasks

Resources