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Claude Code Setup Guide

Quick reference for setting up Claude Code in your editor and terminal.

Official docs: claude.ai/code/docs/quickstart

Prerequisites

  • Code editor installed (Cursor or VS Code)
  • Git installed (see Git Installation Guide)
  • Claude Pro, Max, or Team subscription

Part 1: Install the Claude Code Extension

The Claude Code extension works the same in both Cursor and VS Code.

  1. Open the Extensions panel (Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + X)
  2. Search for Claude Code
  3. Click Install
  4. Follow any sign-in prompts

Once installed, you'll use Claude Code through the integrated terminal in your editor.

Part 2: CLI Installation

The Claude Code CLI lets you use Claude directly in your terminal.

macOS / Linux

Open Terminal and run:

curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash

Windows PowerShell

Open PowerShell and run:

irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex

Windows CMD

curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.cmd -o install.cmd && install.cmd && del install.cmd

Set Up Your PATH

After installation, you may need to configure your PATH so the claude command works from any directory.

macOS / Linux

The installer usually updates your shell profile automatically. If claude isn't recognized:

  1. Close and reopen your terminal, or
  2. Run one of these commands depending on your shell:
# For zsh (default on modern Macs)
source ~/.zshrc

# For bash
source ~/.bashrc

If the command still isn't found, add Claude Code to your PATH manually:

# For zsh
echo 'export PATH="$HOME/.claude/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.zshrc
source ~/.zshrc

# For bash
echo 'export PATH="$HOME/.claude/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc

Windows

The installer should add Claude Code to your PATH automatically. If claude isn't recognized:

  1. Close and reopen PowerShell or CMD
  2. If still not working, you may need to log out and log back in

Log In

Start Claude Code and log in with your Claude account:

claude

You'll be prompted to authenticate in your browser. Follow the prompts to connect your Claude subscription.

Once logged in, your credentials are stored and you won't need to log in again.

Verify Installation

Test that everything is working:

claude --version

Then start an interactive session:

cd /path/to/your/project
claude

Ask Claude a question to confirm it's working:

> what does this project do?

Troubleshooting

"command not found: claude" - Close and reopen your terminal - On Mac, run source ~/.zshrc or source ~/.bashrc - Check the PATH setup section above

Authentication fails - Make sure you have an active Claude Pro, Max, or Team subscription - Try running /login inside Claude Code to re-authenticate - Check your browser completed the authentication flow

Permission denied during install (Mac/Linux) - The install script may need sudo access - Try: curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | sudo bash

Slow or hanging responses - Check your internet connection - Try exiting (Ctrl+C) and starting a new session

Installation succeeded but claude command hangs - Ensure you're in a directory with a project (not an empty folder) - Try claude --help to verify the CLI responds

Essential Commands

Command What it does
claude Start interactive mode
claude "task" Run a one-time task
claude -c Continue most recent conversation
claude commit Create a Git commit
/help Show available commands (inside Claude Code)
/login Re-authenticate (inside Claude Code)
exit or Ctrl+C Exit Claude Code

Next Steps

  • Review the course slide deck for detailed walkthrough
  • Try the common workflows in the official docs
  • Post in Slack if you encounter issues

Resources