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This quickstart covers Claude Code in your terminal: installing the CLI, signing in from your first session, and using it for common development tasks in your own project.

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Before you begin

Make sure you have:
These cases are covered on other pages:

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Step 1: Install Claude Code

To install Claude Code, open a terminal and run the command for your system. If you haven’t used a terminal before, the terminal guide shows how to open one and paste the command.
macOS, Linux, WSL:
On Windows, your prompt shows PS C:\ when you’re in PowerShell and C:\ without the PS when you’re in CMD.Windows PowerShell:
Windows CMD:
The install command shows no progress while it downloads Claude Code. When the installer finishes, open a new terminal window and run claude --version. A working installation prints a version number. If your shell says claude isn’t found or isn’t recognized, the install directory isn’t on your PATH yet: see Fix your PATH.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.If the install command fails with syntax error near unexpected token '<', a 403, or any other 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.
Native installations automatically update in the background to keep you on the latest version.
You can also install with apt, dnf, or apk on Debian, Fedora, RHEL, and Alpine. To confirm the installation worked, run:
The command prints a version number followed by (Claude Code).

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Step 2: Start your first session

Open your terminal in any project directory and start Claude Code:
Replace /path/to/your/project with the path to the project you want to work on. Claude Code prompts you to log in on first use. For Claude subscription or Console accounts, follow the prompts to complete authentication in your browser. If you’ve set the ANTHROPIC_API_KEY environment variable and you approve the key when Claude Code asks whether to use it, Claude Code skips the login prompt. You can log in using any of these account types: Once logged in, your credentials are stored and you won’t need to log in again. Learn more in Credential Management. The Claude Code prompt appears with the version, current model, and working directory shown above it. Type /help for available commands or /resume to continue a previous conversation. To switch accounts later or re-authenticate, type /login inside the running session.

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Step 3: Ask your first question

Try one of these commands:
Claude will analyze your files and provide a summary. You can also ask more specific questions:
You can also ask Claude about its own capabilities:
Claude Code reads your project files as needed. You don’t have to manually add context.

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Step 4: Make your first code change

Try a small task:
Claude Code finds the appropriate file and shows you the change. If it asks before making the change, select Yes to approve. The session’s permission mode sets which actions Claude can take without asking you first. Press Shift+Tab at any time to switch the permission mode of the session you’re in.

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Step 5: Use Git with Claude Code

Claude Code makes Git operations conversational:
You can also prompt for more complex Git operations:

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Step 6: Fix a bug or add a feature

Describe what you want in natural language:
Or fix existing issues:

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Step 7: Test out other common workflows

Try a few more prompts. You can ask Claude to refactor code, write tests, update documentation, or review your changes:
Talk to Claude like you would a helpful colleague. Describe what you want to achieve, and it will help you get there.

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Essential commands

Here are the most important commands for daily use, grouped by where you run them.

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Shell commands

Run these from your terminal to start or resume Claude Code. See the CLI reference for the complete list of shell commands.

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Session commands

Run these inside Claude Code after it starts. See the commands reference for the complete list of session commands.

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Pro tips for beginners

For more, see best practices and common workflows.
Instead of: “fix the bug”Try: “fix the login bug where users see a blank screen after entering wrong credentials”
Break complex tasks into steps:
Before making changes, let Claude understand your code:
  • Type / to see the commands and skills available to you
  • Use Tab for command completion
  • Press ↑ for command history
  • Press Shift+Tab to cycle permission modes

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What’s next?

Now that you’ve learned the basics, explore more advanced features: See advanced setup for installation options, manual updates, or uninstallation instructions.

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Getting help

  • In Claude Code: type /help or ask a “how do I” question
  • Documentation: browse the other guides on this site
  • Courses: take Claude Code 101 and other free self-paced courses on Claude Academy
  • Community: join the Discord server for tips and support