How to Install Claude Code CLI (Step-by-Step Guide)

In this lesson, you'll install Claude Code, the AI coding tool that lives in your terminal and helps you build projects from the inside out. By the end, you'll have it installed, verified, and ready to use. The install takes under two minutes.

Key Takeaways

• Claude Code is a command-line tool, install it once, use it in any project folder
• The native installer (recommended in 2026) requires no extra dependencies, not even Node.js
• The first time you run claude, a browser tab opens for authentication, that's expected
• Once authenticated, Claude Code works anywhere, just type claude from any project directory

What Is Claude Code (and How It Differs from Cursor)

Claude Code is an AI coding assistant that runs inside your terminal. You navigate to any project folder, type claude, and start a conversation about your code. It can read your files, write new ones, run commands, and work across your entire project, not just the file you have open.

If you completed Lesson 03.02, you already have Cursor installed. Claude Code isn't a replacement. They serve different moments.

Claude Code vs Cursor at a glance

Most developers end up using both. Cursor when they're writing and editing; Claude Code when they want to hand a bigger task to an agent and let it run.

What You Need Before Installing

Three things, and you likely have all of them already:

• An Anthropic account with API access, the free account you created in Lesson 03.06 and the API key from Lesson 03.07 cover this. Your $5 free credit is enough for weeks of beginner use.
• A terminal, VS Code's built-in terminal works fine. Open it with Ctrl+`` (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+`` (Mac).
• Nothing else, with the native installer, you do not need Node.js.

How to Install Claude Code

Open your terminal and run the command for your operating system.

Mac or Linux:

curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash

Windows (PowerShell):

irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex

Wait for the install to finish, usually under 30 seconds. Then verify it worked:

claude --version

You should see a version number like 1.x.x. If you do, Claude Code is installed.

Now run Claude Code for the first time:

claude

A browser tab will open asking you to log in with your Anthropic account. This is normal, it's authenticating your API access. Log in, approve the connection, and return to your terminal. You're in.

Honestly, the whole process takes under two minutes. Fewer steps than most app installs.

Prefer npm? If you're comfortable with npm and want version pinning, you can also install via npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code (requires Node.js 18+). The native installer is recommended for most beginners.

Your Task

curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash

irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex

claude --version