Claude Code is an AI-powered coding assistant that helps you build features, fix bugs, and automate development tasks. It understands your entire codebase and can work across multiple files and tools to get things done.
Get started
Claude Code runs on several surfaces: the terminal, IDE extensions, a desktop app, and the web. Choose one from the tabs below to get started. Most surfaces require a Claude subscription or Anthropic Console account. The Terminal CLI, VS Code, and JetBrains also support third-party providers.
Terminal
VS Code
Desktop app
Web
JetBrains
The full-featured CLI for working with Claude Code directly in your terminal. Edit files, run commands, and manage your entire project from the command line.To install Claude Code, use one of the following methods:
Native Install (Recommended)
Homebrew
WinGet
macOS, Linux, WSL:
Windows PowerShell:
Windows CMD:
If you see The token '&&' is not a valid statement separator, you’re in PowerShell, not CMD. If you see 'irm' is not recognized as an internal or external command, you’re in CMD, not PowerShell. Your prompt shows PS C:\ when you’re in PowerShell and C:\ without the PS when you’re in CMD.If the install command fails with syntax error near unexpected token '<', a 403, or another curl error, see Troubleshoot installation to match the error to a fix and for alternative install methods.Git for Windows is recommended on native Windows so Claude Code can use the Bash tool. If Git for Windows is not installed, Claude Code uses PowerShell as the shell tool instead. WSL setups do not need Git for Windows.
Homebrew offers two casks. claude-code tracks the stable release channel, which is typically about a week behind and skips releases with major regressions. claude-code@latest tracks the latest channel and receives new versions as soon as they ship.
You can also install with apt, dnf, or apk on Debian, Fedora, RHEL, and Alpine.Then start Claude Code in any project. Replace your-project with the path to a project directory on your machine:
You’ll be prompted to log in on first use. If you’ve set the ANTHROPIC_API_KEY environment variable, Claude Code skips the login prompt and asks you to approve the key instead. That’s it! Continue with the Quickstart →
The VS Code extension provides inline diffs, @-mentions, plan review, and conversation history directly in your editor.
Or search for “Claude Code” in the Extensions view (Cmd+Shift+X on Mac, Ctrl+Shift+X on Windows/Linux). After installing, open the Command Palette (Cmd+Shift+P / Ctrl+Shift+P), type “Claude Code”, and select Open in New Tab.Get started with VS Code →
A standalone app for running Claude Code outside your IDE or terminal. Review diffs visually, run multiple sessions side by side, schedule recurring tasks, and kick off cloud sessions.Download and install:
- macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon)
- Windows (x64)
- Windows ARM64
- On Ubuntu or Debian, where the app is in beta, install it with apt by following the Linux install instructions
After installing, launch Claude, sign in, and click the Code tab to start coding. A paid subscription is required.Learn more about the desktop app →
Run Claude Code in your browser with no local setup. Kick off long-running tasks and check back when they’re done, work on repos you don’t have locally, or run multiple tasks in parallel. Available on desktop browsers and the Claude app for iOS and Android.Start coding at claude.ai/code.Get started on the web →
A plugin for IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, WebStorm, and other JetBrains IDEs with interactive diff viewing and selection context sharing.Install the Claude Code plugin from the JetBrains Marketplace and restart your IDE. The plugin requires the Claude Code CLI, installed separately; see the JetBrains setup steps.Get started with JetBrains →
What you can do
Here are some of the ways you can use Claude Code:
Use Claude Code everywhere
Each surface connects to the same underlying Claude Code engine, so your repo’s CLAUDE.md files, settings, and MCP servers work across all of them. Beyond the Terminal, VS Code, JetBrains, Desktop, and Web surfaces above, Claude Code integrates with CI/CD, chat, and browser workflows:
| I want to… | Best option |
|---|---|
| Continue a local session from my phone or another device | Remote Control |
| Push events from Telegram, Discord, iMessage, or my own webhooks into a session | Channels |
| Start a task locally, continue on mobile | claude --cloud, then the Claude mobile app |
| Run Claude on a recurring schedule | Routines or Desktop scheduled tasks |
| Automate PR reviews and issue triage | GitHub Actions or GitLab CI/CD |
| Get automatic code review on every PR | GitHub Code Review |
| Route bug reports from Slack to pull requests | Slack |
| Debug live web applications | Chrome |
| Build custom agents for your own workflows | Agent SDK |
Next steps
Once you’ve installed Claude Code, these guides help you go deeper.
- Quickstart: walk through your first real task, from exploring a codebase to committing a fix
- Store instructions and memories: give Claude persistent instructions with CLAUDE.md files and auto memory
- Common workflows and best practices: patterns for getting the most out of Claude Code
- A harness for every task: how the Claude Code team uses dynamic workflows to orchestrate subagents at scale
- Settings: customize Claude Code for your workflow
- Troubleshooting: solutions for common issues
- code.claude.com: demos, pricing, and product details