Getting Started with Claude Code
This guide will walk you through installing Claude Code, understanding its interface, and running your first AI-powered development sessions.
Time: 30-60 minutes Prerequisites: Command line familiarity, Anthropic API key or Claude Pro subscription
Installation
Option 1: NPM (Recommended)
Option 2: Homebrew (macOS/Linux)
Option 3: Download Binary
Download from https://claude.ai/download for your platform:
- macOS (Apple Silicon/Intel)
- Linux (x86_64)
- Windows (x64)
Authentication
With Anthropic API Key
With Claude Pro Subscription
First Launch
Start Claude Code
Initial Setup
On first launch:
- Accept terms of service
- Choose default model (Sonnet 4.5 recommended)
- Configure base permissions
- Claude creates
~/.claude/directory
Interface Overview
Terminal Interface
Key Keyboard Shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
Tab |
Toggle extended thinking |
Shift+Tab (twice) |
Enter/exit Plan Mode |
Escape (twice) |
Rewind to previous checkpoint |
Ctrl+C |
Cancel current operation |
Ctrl+D |
Exit Claude Code |
Ctrl+R |
Reverse history search |
↑/↓ |
Navigate command history |
Your First Session
Step 1: Explore Your Codebase
Step 2: Ask Questions
Step 3: Make Changes
Step 4: Test Changes
Step 5: Commit
Essential Slash Commands
Get Help
Context Management
Workflow Commands
Configure Your First Settings
Create Project Settings
Add to .gitignore
Create Team Settings
Share settings with your team by committing .claude/settings.json:
Your First Custom Command
Create a Code Review Command
Use the Command
Your First Hook
Auto-Lint on File Edits
Now Claude automatically runs lint after any file edit!
Your First MCP Server
Add GitHub Integration
Use GitHub Integration
Common Workflows
Feature Development
Bug Fix Workflow
Code Review Workflow
Understanding Modes
Plan Mode (Shift+Tab twice)
When to use:
- Unfamiliar codebase
- Complex changes
- Want to review before applying
What it does:
- Read-only exploration
- No file edits
- No command execution
- Creates detailed plan
Example:
Extended Thinking Mode (Tab)
When to use:
- Complex algorithms
- Architecture decisions
- Security analysis
- Performance optimization
Levels:
Tabor "think" - Basic thinking- "think hard" - More reasoning
- "think harder" - Deep analysis
- "ultrathink" - Maximum reasoning
Example:
Troubleshooting
Issue: "Permission Denied" for Bash Commands
Solution:
Issue: Can't Find Files
Solution:
Issue: Context Window Full
Solution:
Issue: MCP Server Not Working
Solution:
Next Steps
Immediate (Day 1)
- Complete Tutorial 1: Your First AI-Assisted Feature
- Create your first custom command
- Set up a simple hook
- Practice the explore → plan → code workflow
Short-term (Week 1)
- Configure permissions for your project
- Add an MCP server (GitHub or database)
- Create team-shared commands
- Read Best Practices
Medium-term (Month 1)
- Build custom hooks for your workflow
- Create project-specific skills
- Optimize context usage
- Explore advanced features
Quick Reference Card
Essential Commands
Common Prompts
Resources
Documentation
Community
Ready for hands-on practice? → Start Tutorial 1
Have questions? → Check the Resources page for help