Install Claude CLI

Install

Claude CLI is distributed as an npm package. Run this in your terminal:

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

This installs the claude command globally.

Authenticate

claude

On first run, Claude CLI opens your browser and prompts you to sign in with your Claude account. Complete the sign-in flow, then return to the terminal.

Verify the install

claude --version

You should see a version number printed. If you get “command not found”, check that your npm global bin directory is in your PATH.

Open Claude in VS Code

1. Open your project folder in VS Code: File → Open Folder
2. Open the integrated terminal: Ctrl+` (backtick)
3. Type claude and press Enter

Claude opens in your terminal, scoped to your project directory. It can read files, run commands, and help you build.

Next step

→ First Steps with Claude CLI