How do I install Claude Code and start my first session?

To install Claude Code and begin your first session, you will need to have Node.js (version 18 or higher) installed on your machine.

Here is the straightforward path to getting started:

1. Install Claude Code

Open your terminal and run the following command to install the package globally:

npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

2. Start Your First Session

Once the installation is complete, navigate to the root directory of the project you want to work on and run:

claude

3. Authenticate

The first time you run the command, you will be prompted to authenticate:

• Follow the link provided in your terminal to log in with your Anthropic account.
• Once authenticated, Claude Code will link your account and be ready for use.

4. Basic Interaction

Once the session is active, you can type natural language instructions to interact with your codebase. For example:

• "List the files in this directory."
• "Find and fix the bug in [file name]."
• "Explain how the authentication flow works in this project."

A few tips for your first session:

• Permissions: During your first session, Claude Code will ask for permission to read and execute commands. You can review these prompts to ensure you are comfortable with the actions it takes.
• Help: If you aren't sure what to do next, you can type /help within the terminal interface to see a list of available commands.

If you encounter any specific errors during installation or authentication, feel free to share them, and I can help you troubleshoot.