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How to Use Claude Code: Anthropic's AI Coding Agent, Explained Simply

Claude Code is Anthropic’s coding agent: it reads your project, edits files and runs commands. Install it from the terminal (or use the desktop app, VS Code, JetBrains or claude.ai/code), open your project, describe the task in plain English, and review each change before you accept it. Most ways to use it need a paid Claude plan or an Anthropic Console account.

By Published Last updated 1 min read

The short version

Claude Code is different from chatting with Claude: it works inside your project. Anthropic describes it as “an agentic coding tool that reads your codebase, edits files, runs commands, and integrates with your development tools”. You describe the job; it plans, edits and tests; you review.

Step by step

1. Pick where to use it

Anthropic’s docs list a terminal tool, extensions for VS Code and JetBrains, a desktop app and a web version at claude.ai/code. The desktop app and web version need no terminal skills.

2. Install (terminal)

On macOS or Linux, Anthropic’s documented install command is:

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

Windows instructions are in the Claude Code docs. Then open your project folder and run claude; it asks you to log in the first time.

3. Give it your project’s rules

Add a CLAUDE.md file to the project’s top folder with how the project works and what must never happen. Our free AGENTS.md generator writes one from six plain questions.

4. Describe a small task first

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Read the project and explain how it's organized. Don't change anything yet.
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Add a "last updated" date to the footer. Show me the plan first, then make the change and run the tests.

5. Review every change

Read the changes before you accept them, run the tests, and commit small steps so you can undo. See review AI-written code.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Huge first tasks. Start with something small you can check.
  • No project rules. Without CLAUDE.md, it has to guess your conventions.
  • Accepting changes unread. You’re responsible for what you merge.
  • Secrets in files or prompts. Keep passwords and keys out of what it reads.

Learn more

Our guides go deeper: set up an AI coding assistant, write project rules and the comparison of AI coding assistants.

Frequently asked questions

Is Claude Code free?

No. Anthropic's pricing page lists Claude Code on paid plans, not Free, and its documentation says most surfaces need a Claude subscription or an Anthropic Console account.

Do I need to be a programmer?

It helps a lot. Claude Code does real work on real files, so you need to be able to judge and review its changes. Beginners can start with small projects and the desktop app.

What is CLAUDE.md?

A Markdown file in your project's top folder that Claude Code reads at the start of every session: your project's rules, commands and conventions. Our AGENTS.md generator can write one for you.

Sources

  1. Claude Code documentation: overview
  2. Claude pricing (Anthropic)

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