1. What is Claude Code?

Claude is the AI made by Anthropic. Claude Code is Claude as an agent: it can read your files, write code and run commands for you. We'll use it in the terminal. You need a Pro plan or above.

Docs: claude.com/product/claude-code

2. Install

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

3. Go to your folder with cd

Claude Code works in whatever folder you start it in.

terminal
cd my-first-app

4. Start Claude

terminal
claude

First time, it asks you to log in.

5. Your first prompt

Type / to see everything. Then just ask:

prompt
make a simple to-do list website. clean and minimal.

Approve its changes, then ask for more: “make it dark mode”. Press Esc to stop it anytime.

6. Plan mode

Press Shift+Tab to switch modes. Plan mode makes Claude plan first and change nothing until you approve.

7. Essential commands

  • /model switch model
  • /effort how hard it thinks
  • /usage check your limits
  • /clear fresh start for a new task
  • /init creates CLAUDE.md, Claude's memory for your project