How to Set Up and Get Started with Claude Code
Claude Code is an AI coding assistant that understands your entire codebase and works across multiple files. This guide takes you from zero to running your first automated coding task, whether you prefer the terminal, VS Code, or web interface. You'll learn which installation method fits your workflow and how to configure Claude Code for your projects.
Steps in this guide
Understanding what Claude Code does, how it differs from other AI tools, and which tasks it handles best.
Comparing terminal CLI, VS Code extension, desktop app, and web interface to pick the right one for your workflow.
Step-by-step installation for your chosen interface, including authentication and troubleshooting common setup issues.
Walking through a complete example from opening Claude Code to getting results, using a real coding problem.
Setting up CLAUDE.md files and understanding how Claude Code reads your codebase to work more effectively.
Real examples of tasks Claude Code handles well, from writing tests to fixing bugs to managing git workflows.