Before you begin
- Use a terminal and a project folder where you can practise.
- You need Claude Pro, Max, Team, or Enterprise; a Claude Console account with prepaid credit; or a supported cloud provider.
The free Claude plan does not include Claude Code. A subscription uses plan limits; Console usage is billed through the API.
1. Install Claude Code
macOS, Linux, or WSL: recommended native installer
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash
Windows PowerShell: recommended native installer
irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex
For Command Prompt (CMD), not PowerShell:
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.cmd -o install.cmd && install.cmd && del install.cmd
Package managers
# macOS stable channel brew install --cask claude-code # Windows winget install Anthropic.ClaudeCode
npm remains a supported alternative
This course recommends Node.js 22 LTS or later for npm. Do not run the global install with sudo.
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
2. Verify the installation
claude --version claude doctor
3. Sign in
cd path/to/your-project claude
On first use, sign in in your browser with an eligible subscription or Console account. Use /login inside Claude Code to switch accounts later.
ANTHROPIC_API_KEY is optional and is intended for API billing or automation. If it is already set, Claude Code asks you to approve it instead of starting the normal browser flow.
Windows: Git for Windows or WSL
Git for Windows is recommended for Bash, but not mandatory: Claude Code can fall back to PowerShell. WSL does not require Git for Windows.
4. Run a safe check
What does this folder contain? Do not modify anything. Then tell me which file appears to be the entry point.
Update commands
# Homebrew brew upgrade claude-code # WinGet winget upgrade Anthropic.ClaudeCode # npm npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code@latest
Save your evidence
Operating system: Installation method: Claude Code version: Sign-in complete: yes / no claude doctor clean: yes / no Verification date: