Getting Started with Claude Code
Everything you need to go from zero to building software with AI. Pick the path that feels right — the easiest option takes about 5 minutes.
Quick check before you continue
Are you trying to build software (a website, an app, a tool)? Then you're in the right place — read on.
Are you trying to get work done across the apps you already use — research, drafting, customer follow-ups, summaries? You probably want Cowork instead. No terminal, no install gymnastics — just open the Claude Desktop App and go. Most operators and small business owners we talk to end up using Cowork far more than Code.
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What you'll need
A Claude Pro account — $20/month. That's all you need to get started. Everything else is free. Go to claude.ai, create an account, and subscribe to Pro. (Max plans at $100–200/month exist for heavier usage, but Pro is all you need to start.)
What to Expect
Two things worth knowing before you dive in.
You can't break anything
Claude only works inside the project folder you choose. It can't touch your other files, settings, or anything else on your computer. Every Claude action creates a checkpoint automatically — so if something goes wrong, /rewind can restore the conversation, the code, or both.
Think director, not coder
Your job isn't to write code — it's to know what you want and give clear feedback. "Make the header bigger." "Add a search bar." You're the director. Claude is the crew.
Choose Your Path
There are several ways to use Claude Code. Here are the three best paths for beginners — pick one and you can always switch later. (Claude Code also has a VS Code extension and a JetBrains plugin for developers who use those editors.)
Not sure? Start with the Desktop App (Path A). It's the most beginner-friendly and does everything the terminal can do.
Path A: The Desktop App
The easiest way to get started — no terminal required
Download the Claude app
Download the free app for your computer:
Install it like any other app — double-click the file, follow the prompts, done.
Open the app and sign in
Launch Claude from your Start menu (Windows) or Applications folder (Mac). Sign in with your Claude account.
Click the "Code" tab
At the top of the app, you'll see tabs. Click Code. This switches Claude from a chatbot into a builder that can work with files on your computer.
What you'll see
Click Code — that's where the magic happens.
Pick a folder and start building
Click Select folder and choose where you want your project to live (your Desktop or Documents folder works great). Then describe what you want to build:
Claude will start creating files. When it asks for permission to make changes, click Accept to approve.
That's it — you're building!
Skip ahead to Your First Project below to learn about the review-and-redirect workflow.
Path B: In Your Browser
Zero installation — use Claude Code directly on claude.com
Go to claude.com and sign in
Open claude.ai in your browser and log in with your Claude Pro account.
Click the "Code" tab
Look for the Code option in the interface. This switches Claude from regular chat mode into building mode.
Describe what you want to build
Type your project idea in plain English:
Good to know: The web version works great for quick projects. For longer projects or working with files on your computer, you'll eventually want the Desktop App (Path A) or Terminal (Path C).
You're in!
Skip ahead to Your First Project below to learn about the review-and-redirect workflow.
Path C: The Terminal
The most powerful option — full control from the command line
Open your terminal
Windows
Search for PowerShell in the Start menu and open it. You'll see a window with a blinking cursor.
PS C:\Users\YourName> _
Mac
Press Cmd + Space, type Terminal, press Enter.
YourName@MacBook ~ % _
Windows Users
- PowerShell (recommended) — comes with Windows, handles everything Claude Code needs.
- Windows Terminal — the best experience if you have it (pre-installed on Windows 11).
Install Claude Code
Copy and paste the install command into your terminal, then press Enter:
Windows (PowerShell)
Or in Command Prompt: curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.cmd -o install.cmd && install.cmd && del install.cmd
Mac / Linux
Wait for it to finish. When you see your cursor again, it's done.
Note: Windows requires Git for Windows. Install it first if you don't have it. You can also install via winget install Anthropic.ClaudeCode.
For the latest install methods (including Homebrew on Mac), see the official quickstart guide.
Start Claude Code
Type claude and press Enter. It will open your browser to sign in — click "Allow" when asked, then return to your terminal.
The workflow: create, navigate, build
Every project starts the same way — three commands:
| You type | What happens |
|---|---|
mkdir my-project | Creates a new folder |
cd my-project | Goes inside that folder |
claude | Starts Claude Code |
You're ready!
Continue to Your First Project below.
Your First Project
No matter which path you chose above, the next part is the same — and it's the fun part.
Tell Claude what to build in plain English. Be specific — the more detail, the better the result:
Not sure what to build? Check out the Starter Challenges on the Resources page.
Claude will create files for your project. It asks for your permission before each change — you approve each one.
Why does Claude ask permission? This is a safety feature — like a coworker saying "I'm about to change this file — is that okay?" For more details, see You're Always in Control on our Tips page.
For web projects, open the index.html file in your browser. Not sure where it is? Just ask Claude: "Where did you save the files?"
Look at what Claude built. If something isn't right, just describe what's wrong:
The Core Skill: Describe → Review → Redirect
This is the most important thing on this entire site. Building with AI is a cycle:
You don't need to get it perfect on the first try. Nobody does. The skill is in the redirecting — and you get better at it with every project.
After Your First Build
Your project lives in a folder on your computer — it's yours. You can zip it and share it, or ask Claude to help you put it on the internet for free using services like Vercel, Netlify, or Firebase.
Just tell Claude: "Help me deploy this to the internet." It will walk you through the process step by step.
Troubleshooting
Something not working? Here are the most common issues.
Make sure you're subscribed to Claude Pro ($20/month), not the free tier. Go to claude.ai → click your name → Subscription → Upgrade to Pro.
Close your terminal and open a new one. Windows needs a fresh window to recognize newly installed programs.
Try running PowerShell as Administrator: search for "PowerShell" in the Start menu, right-click it, and select "Run as administrator."
Make sure you're signed in to your Claude Pro account in the app. If the Code tab prompts you to sign in again, complete the sign-in and restart the app.
Setup is the hardest part — once it's done, you never have to do it again. Check the Claude Help Center for more solutions.