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Claude Code is an AI-powered coding assistant that helps you build features, fix bugs, and automate development tasks. It understands your entire codebase and can work across multiple files and tools to get things done.

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Get started

Claude Code runs on several surfaces: the terminal, IDE extensions, a desktop app, and the web. Choose one from the tabs below to get started. Most surfaces require a Claude subscription or Anthropic Console account. The Terminal CLI and VS Code also support third-party providers.
The full-featured CLI for working with Claude Code directly in your terminal. Edit files, run commands, and manage your entire project from the command line.To install Claude Code, use one of the following methods:
macOS, Linux, WSL:
Windows PowerShell:
Windows CMD:
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. Your prompt shows PS C:\ when you’re in PowerShell and C:\ without the PS when you’re in CMD.If the install command fails with syntax error near unexpected token '<', a 403, or another curl 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.Then start Claude Code in any project. Replace your-project with the path to a project directory on your machine:
You’ll be prompted to log in on first use. If you’ve set the ANTHROPIC_API_KEY environment variable, Claude Code skips the login prompt and asks you to approve the key instead. That’s it! Continue with the Quickstart →
See advanced setup for installation options, manual updates, or uninstallation instructions. Visit installation troubleshooting if you hit issues.