Zero-Code AI App BuilderZero-Code AI App Builder
Vibe Coding

Install and set up

Get Claude Code running

Setting up Claude Code takes about ten minutes. You will install it, log in, and open it inside a project folder.

What you need first

Think of this like packing before a trip. Get everything ready now, so nothing stops you halfway.

  • A paid Claude plan or an Anthropic API account. Claude Code does not work on the free plan. Check the pricing page for current options.
  • VS Code. A free code editor. We use it to watch files change.
  • Git. It saves versions of your project. Claude Code can run Git commands for you.
  • Node.js (LTS version). Node.js is a program that lets your computer run JavaScript apps. Most web apps that AI tools build need it. Download the LTS version from nodejs.org.

Check Node.js and Git by typing these in your terminal:

bash
node --version
git --version

If both print a version number, you are ready. For Node.js, the first number should be 18 or higher.

Install Claude Code

Pick your operating system below. The installer downloads Claude Code and adds the claude command to your computer.

  1. Open the Terminal app.
    • macOS: press Cmd + Space, type "Terminal", and press Enter
    • Linux: press Ctrl + Alt + T or find Terminal in your apps menu
  2. Paste this command and press Enter:
bash
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash
  1. Wait until it says the install is finished.
  2. Close the terminal and open a new one. This lets your computer find the new claude command.
  3. Check that it worked:
bash
claude --version

You should see a version number. Any number is fine.

There is also an npm way to install it: npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code. It needs Node.js 18 or newer. Use the installer above unless a guide tells you otherwise.

Start Claude Code and log in

Claude Code always works inside one folder. That folder is its "workshop". Let's make a practice folder and start it there.

bash
mkdir hello-claude
cd hello-claude
claude

Let's break this down:

  • mkdir hello-claude makes a new folder called hello-claude
  • cd hello-claude moves you into that folder
  • claude starts Claude Code in this folder

The first time, Claude Code asks you to log in. It opens your browser. Sign in with your Claude account (or your Anthropic API account) and come back to the terminal.

It may also ask if you trust the files in this folder. For your own project folder, say yes.

Install
run the installer
→
Open folder
cd into project
→
Run claude
starts the agent
→
Log in
in the browser
→
Prompt
type a request
The first-time setup, from install to your first prompt.

Open the same folder in VS Code

Claude Code shows you what it does as text. VS Code shows you the actual files. Using both is like having a window into the workshop.

  1. Open VS Code.
  2. Choose File → Open Folder and pick hello-claude.
  3. Keep VS Code next to your terminal window.

Now when Claude Code creates a file, you see it pop up in the VS Code sidebar. You can also open VS Code's built-in terminal (Terminal → New Terminal) and run claude there.

Test it with a tiny request. Type What files are in this folder? and press Enter. In an empty folder, it should tell you there are none yet.

Troubleshooting

Common mistakes

  • Running claude in your home folder. Claude Code would then see all your personal files. Always cd into a project folder first.
  • Not reopening the terminal after install. The claude command only works in a new terminal window.
  • Skipping Node.js. Claude Code may still start, but most web apps will not run without it.

Practice

Try these exercises to lock in what you just learned.

Quiz
Not started
You just installed Claude Code, but typing claude says "command not found". What should you try first?
Quiz
Not started
Where should you run the claude command?
Quiz
Not started
Why do you install Node.js before building web apps with Claude Code?

What's next?

Claude Code is installed and logged in. Next, let's run your first real session and ask it to build a small web page.