Claude Code Basics
Your AI-powered coding companion in the terminal
Claude Code is Anthropic's official agentic coding tool that runs directly in your terminal.
It understands your codebase, executes commands, edits files, and helps you build software through natural conversation.
Agentic
Autonomously explores, plans, and executes multi-step tasks
Context-Aware
Understands your entire project structure and codebase
Tool-Using
Reads files, runs commands, searches code, and more
Conversational
Natural language interface - just describe what you need
Install Claude Code globally using npm:
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-codeOr run directly with npx (no install needed):
npx @anthropic-ai/claude-codeRequirements
- Node.js 18+ - Required runtime
- Anthropic API key - Or use Claude Pro/Max subscription
- macOS, Linux, or Windows - Cross-platform support
Navigate to your project and start:
cd my-project
claudeClaude explores your codebase, asks questions if needed, and makes changes with your approval.
Type natural language requests:
> What files are in this project?
> Explain the auth flow
> Add a logout buttonSlash Commands
/help- Show available commands/clear- Clear conversation history/compact- Summarize and compact context/cost- Show token usage and costs/vim- Toggle vim mode
Keyboard Shortcuts
Ctrl+C- Cancel current operationCtrl+D- Exit Claude CodeTab- Autocomplete file pathsUp/Down- Navigate history
Claude Code asks for permission before executing potentially impactful actions:
File Edits
Shows a diff before modifying any file
Bash Commands
Displays command before execution
Allow/Deny
You control what gets executed
Allow Always
Trust specific patterns permanently
Use --dangerously-skip-permissions only in sandboxed environments!
- Be specific - Describe exactly what you want
- Provide context - Mention files and constraints
- Use git - Work on a branch to review changes
- Review diffs - Check changes before accepting
- Iterate - Refine requests if needed
- Ask questions - Claude explains and debugs
Ready to Code with Claude!
Install, navigate to your project, and start describing what you want to build.
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code && claudeLearn more at docs.anthropic.com