Getting Started with Claude Code

Start your AI programming journey in 5 minutes and experience the revolutionary programming assistant

Install Claude Code

Option 1: Install via npm (Recommended)

# Install Claude Code CLI globally

npm install -g @anthropic/claude-code

# Verify installation

claude --version

Option 2: Install via Homebrew (macOS)

# Add Anthropic tap

brew tap anthropic/claude

# Install Claude Code

brew install claude-code

Configure Authentication

Get API Key

Visit Anthropic Console to get your API key.

Tip

New users can get free API credits to try Claude Code features.

Configure API Key

# Set API key

claude auth login

# Or use environment variable

export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY="your-api-key-here"

Create Your First Project

Initialize Project

# Create new project directory

mkdir my-claude-project

cd my-claude-project

# Initialize Claude Code project

claude init

Start Programming Conversation

# Launch Claude Code

claude chat

# Or ask directly

claude "Create a simple React component"

IDE Integration (Optional)

Claude Code supports integration with mainstream IDEs and editors for a smoother development experience:

VS Code

Install the Claude Code extension to use AI assistant directly in the editor.

Install Extension →

JetBrains IDEs

Support for IntelliJ IDEA, WebStorm, PyCharm, and more.

Install Plugin →

Vim/Neovim

Integration via LSP protocol, supporting all Claude Code features.

View Configuration →

Emacs

Integrate into Emacs workflow with the claude-mode package.

Install Package →

Quick Examples

Create React Component

$ claude "Create a user login form component"

Claude Code will automatically generate a complete React component, including state management, form validation, and styling.

Debug Code Issues

$ claude "Why does this function return undefined?"

Claude Code will analyze your code, identify the issue, and provide fix suggestions.

Refactor Code

$ claude "Refactor this function to make it more readable"

Claude Code will provide refactoring suggestions to improve code structure and readability.

Generate Tests

$ claude "Generate unit tests for this function"

Claude Code will automatically generate comprehensive test cases, including edge cases.

Next Steps

📚

Read Documentation

Learn about all Claude Code features and best practices.

View Documentation →

💡

View Examples

Learn how to use Claude Code through real project examples.

Browse Examples →

👥

Join Community

Exchange experiences with other developers and get help and support.

Join Community →