Claude Code Installation and API Setup Guide
A practical Claude Code guide covering prerequisites, authentication and API setup, project workflows, permission checks, billing boundaries and common issues.
What is Claude Code?
The official AI coding agent by Anthropic — Terminal + IDE + Desktop + Web
AI-Powered Coding Assistant
Claude Code is Anthropic's official AI coding agent that reads your entire codebase, edits files across multiple locations, runs commands, and integrates with your development tools. Describe what you need in plain language, and Claude Code plans the approach, writes the code, and verifies the results.
"Built for developers — Work with Claude directly in your codebase. Build, debug, and ship from your terminal, IDE, Slack, or the web." — code.claude.com
Supported Platforms
| Platform | Description | How to Get |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal CLI | Full-featured CLI for file editing, command execution | curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash |
| VS Code / Cursor | IDE extension with inline diffs, @-mentions, Plan review | Search "Claude Code" in Extensions |
| JetBrains IDE | Plugin for IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, WebStorm, etc. | JetBrains Marketplace |
| Desktop App | Standalone app with visual diffs, parallel sessions | code.claude.com/download |
| Web Browser | No local setup, code directly in your browser | claude.ai/code |
| iOS App | Submit tasks on the go | Claude on App Store |
| Slack | @Claude with bug reports, get PRs back | Slack App Marketplace |
Subscription Plans & Pricing
| Plan | Monthly | Models Included | Usage Multiplier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pro | $20/mo (annual $200 ≈ $16.67/mo) | Claude Sonnet 4.6 | 5x free tier |
| Max 100 | $100/mo | Sonnet 4.6 + limited Opus | 5x Pro limits |
| Max 200 | $200/mo | All models + full Opus 4.6 | 20x Pro limits |
API Pay-Per-Use
| Model | Input ($/M tokens) | Output ($/M tokens) |
|---|---|---|
| Claude Opus 4.5 | $5.00 | $25.00 |
| Claude Sonnet 4.5 | $3.00 | $15.00 |
| Claude Haiku 4.5 | $1.00 | $5.00 |
Need Claude Pro/Max without an international credit card? Get subscriptions and API top-up through Neuronicx with Alipay, WeChat Pay & more.
Install Claude Code in 30 Seconds
Based on official docs at docs.anthropic.com
Step 1: Check System Requirements
Requirements: macOS 13.0+, Ubuntu 20.04+, Debian 10+, Windows 10 1809+ (Git for Windows required). Minimum 4GB RAM. Supports Bash, Zsh, Fish, PowerShell.
Step 2: Install Claude Code
Native install (recommended, auto-updates): macOS/Linux/WSL run curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash. Windows PowerShell run irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex. Also available via Homebrew, WinGet.
Step 3: Verify Installation
Run claude --version to check version. Run claude doctor to verify environment. See docs.anthropic.com/en/troubleshooting for issues.
Step 4: Sign In
Run claude auth login or just run claude — you'll be prompted to sign in via browser on first use. Requires Claude subscription (Pro/Max/Teams/Enterprise) or Anthropic Console account.
Step 5: Navigate to Project
Run cd your-project && claude to enter your project and start Claude Code. Consider running claude init to generate a CLAUDE.md file with project config.
Step 6: Start Coding
Type natural language instructions like "write tests for the auth module". Press Shift+Tab to toggle Plan Mode (research first, then code). Use claude -c to continue your last conversation.
Claude Code Install Commands
Copy & paste (source: docs.anthropic.com)
# macOS / Linux / WSL (recommended, auto-updates in background)
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
# Verify installation
claude --version
claude doctor
# Sign in and start
cd your-project
claudeCheck Before You Act or Buy
Use the current listing, official documentation and actual account state
Confirm the Service Type
Distinguish a membership, API credits and software access before ordering.
Check Account Eligibility
Review the account region, current plan, sign-in method and applicable restrictions.
Review Current Terms
Confirm price, term, quota, delivery steps and available payment methods on the listing.
Confirm Support Scope
Use the listing, help center and order notes for the current support scope and hours.
Claude Code Interface & Workflows
Product showcase from code.claude.com
Terminal CLI
Full-featured CLI for editing code and running commands
VS Code Integration
Inline diffs, @-mentions, Plan mode, conversation history
Desktop App
Standalone app with visual diffs and parallel sessions
Web Browser
No local setup needed, code directly in browser
Git Integration
Auto-stage, commit, branch, and PR creation
MCP Protocol
Connect Google Drive, Jira, Slack, and custom tools
Video Tutorials
Learn Claude Code step by step
Claude Code Made Easy: Real Project Tutorial + Hidden Tips
Be a Pro at Claude Code in 9 Min — 31 Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Claude Code
Need to Check the Current Listing?
Tutorials explain a general workflow. Use the current listing for price, stock, eligibility, delivery time and support scope.
Third-party product names identify relevant listings and do not imply authorization, endorsement or partnership.
Direct answer
Before using Claude Code, check current official guidance for supported sign-in or API options, then verify the runtime, project permissions, cost and data handling. Never expose an API key in a code repository.
Third-party product names and trademarks identify relevant listings and remain the property of their respective owners. Unless a listing expressly states otherwise, no authorization, endorsement or partnership is implied.