Getting started with Claude Code begins with ensuring you have the necessary prerequisites and understanding the tool’s basic concepts before diving into practical usage. First, you’ll need a Pro or Max subscription plan from Anthropic, as Claude Code is not available on the free tier, along with Node.js installed on your system (version 18.0 or higher recommended). Installation is straightforward through npm with the command npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code, after which you’ll need to authenticate with your Anthropic account through the setup process. The tool works on macOS, Linux, and Windows (via WSL), and integrates well with popular IDEs like VS Code, JetBrains, and Cursor through optional extensions that provide convenient launching capabilities.
The learning process should start with understanding Claude Code’s fundamental concepts and workflow patterns before attempting complex tasks. Begin by experimenting with a simple project where you can explore basic commands like navigating to a project directory and running claude to start a session, using the /init command to create a project-specific CLAUDE.md file, and practicing basic file editing and Git operations through natural language commands. Start with clear, specific prompts rather than vague requests, and use the /help command to understand available features and slash commands. Practice the essential workflow of using /clear to reset context between tasks and learn to interrupt Claude Code with the Escape key when it’s going in the wrong direction.
Advanced getting-started strategies involve establishing effective development workflows and understanding token management for sustainable usage. Create a comprehensive CLAUDE.md file for your projects that documents coding standards, preferred libraries, architectural patterns, and common workflows specific to your development environment. Experiment with custom slash commands in the .claude/commands directory to automate frequently used processes, and consider setting up MCP integrations if you need Claude Code to access external tools or services. Learn to use the --dangerously-skip-permissions flag for improved workflow efficiency while understanding the associated risks, and install GitHub CLI (gh) if you plan to use Claude Code for Git workflow automation. Most importantly, start with smaller, manageable tasks to build confidence and understanding before tackling large-scale refactoring or complex feature development projects.