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.
Get started
Choose your environment to get started. Most surfaces require a Claude subscription or Anthropic Console account. The Terminal CLI and VS Code also support third-party providers.
Terminal
VS Code
Desktop app
Web
JetBrains
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:
Native Install (Recommended)
Homebrew
WinGet
macOS, Linux, WSL:
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash
Windows PowerShell:
irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex
Windows CMD:
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.cmd -o install.cmd && install.cmd && del install.cmd
Windows requires Git for Windows. Install it first if you don’t have it.
brew install --cask claude-code
winget install Anthropic.ClaudeCode
Then start Claude Code in any project:
cd your-project
claude
You’ll be prompted to log in on first use. That’s it! Continue with the Quickstart →
The VS Code extension provides inline diffs, @-mentions, plan review, and conversation history directly in your editor.
Or search for “Claude Code” in the Extensions view (Cmd+Shift+X on Mac, Ctrl+Shift+X on Windows/Linux). After installing, open the Command Palette (Cmd+Shift+P / Ctrl+Shift+P), type “Claude Code”, and select Open in New Tab.Get started with VS Code →
A standalone app for running Claude Code outside your IDE or terminal. Review diffs visually, run multiple sessions side by side, and kick off cloud sessions.Download and install:
- macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon)
- Windows (x64)
- Windows ARM64 (remote sessions only)
After installing, launch Claude, sign in, and click the Code tab to start coding. A paid subscription is required.Learn more about the desktop app →
Run Claude Code in your browser with no local setup. Kick off long-running tasks and check back when they’re done, work on repos you don’t have locally, or run multiple tasks in parallel. Available on desktop browsers and the Claude iOS app.Start coding at claude.ai/code.Get started on the web →
A plugin for IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, WebStorm, and other JetBrains IDEs with interactive diff viewing and selection context sharing.Install the Claude Code plugin from the JetBrains Marketplace and restart your IDE.Get started with JetBrains →
What you can do
Here are some of the ways you can use Claude Code:
Use Claude Code everywhere
Each surface connects to the same underlying Claude Code engine, so your CLAUDE.md files, settings, and MCP servers work across all of them. Beyond the Terminal, VS Code, JetBrains, Desktop, and Web environments above, Claude Code integrates with CI/CD, chat, and browser workflows:
| I want to… | Best option |
|---|---|
| Continue a local session from my phone or another device | Remote Control |
| Start a task locally, continue on mobile | Web or Claude iOS app |
| Automate PR reviews and issue triage | GitHub Actions or GitLab CI/CD |
| Route bug reports from Slack to pull requests | Slack |
| Debug live web applications | Chrome |
| Build custom agents for your own workflows | Agent SDK |
Next steps
Once you’ve installed Claude Code, these guides help you go deeper.
- Quickstart: walk through your first real task, from exploring a codebase to committing a fix
- Store instructions and memories: give Claude persistent instructions with CLAUDE.md files and auto memory
- Common workflows and best practices: patterns for getting the most out of Claude Code
- Settings: customize Claude Code for your workflow
- Troubleshooting: solutions for common issues
- code.claude.com: demos, pricing, and product details