How to install Claude Code

1. Prerequisites

• Install Git and a current shell environment.
• Install VS Code if you want editor-integrated workflows.
• Create/sign in to your Anthropic account and confirm access permissions.
• Keep your operating system and package manager up to date.

2. Install Claude Code

1. Use the official Claude Code installation guide for your OS.
2. Install via the supported installer/package manager command.
3. Run the version/help command to confirm successful install.
4. Restart terminal if the executable is not detected immediately.

3. Add authentication

• Export your API key/token through environment variables.
• Avoid committing credentials by using `.env` and `.gitignore`.
• Run a quick request or login check to verify key validity.
• Set quotas/billing alerts to avoid accidental overuse.

4. Attach repository context

• Open your project root and run Claude Code there.
• Provide architecture notes and coding conventions early.
• Point it to core files before requesting major refactors.
• Ask for patch-style output to keep review easy.

5. Run a controlled first task

1. Start with a non-breaking refactor or test improvement.
2. Require explicit assumptions and risk notes in output.
3. Run lint/tests/type-check after each generated patch.
4. Merge only after human review and successful validation.

6. Common fixes

• Access denied: verify key, account permissions, and model access.
• Weak answers: provide tighter constraints and file-level context.
• Large noisy diffs: request smaller scoped edits per iteration.
• Missing tests: make tests a mandatory return requirement.