Troubleshooting Claude Code issues requires a systematic approach that begins with identifying the specific type of problem you’re encountering. The most common issues include installation errors related to Node.js version compatibility, permission problems when Claude Code can’t access certain directories or commands, authentication failures when connecting to Anthropic’s API, and performance problems with large codebases. Claude Code provides built-in debugging tools including the claude doctor command that runs diagnostics on your installation, the --verbose flag for detailed logging during operations, and the --mcp-debug flag specifically for Model Context Protocol configuration issues. When encountering problems, always start by checking the error messages carefully, as Claude Code typically provides informative error descriptions that point toward the root cause.
For installation and configuration issues, common solutions include updating Node.js to the minimum required version (18.0+), fixing npm permission problems by migrating to a local installation using claude migrate-installer, and ensuring your API key is properly configured. If Claude Code fails to update automatically, this usually indicates permission issues with your npm global prefix directory. On Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), you may encounter platform detection issues that require installing Node.js through your Linux distribution’s package manager rather than using Windows npm. Performance issues with large codebases can often be resolved by using the /clear command frequently to reset context windows, being more specific with prompts to reduce unnecessary file scanning, and utilizing the --enable-architect flag for complex refactoring tasks.
For output quality and behavioral issues, the key is providing more specific and detailed prompts rather than vague instructions. Claude Code’s success rate improves significantly with clear, structured requests that include context about what you’re trying to achieve and why. If Claude Code produces unexpected results, try breaking down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, and use the /compact command to clean up conversation history when context becomes unwieldy. For persistent issues, use the /bug command within Claude Code to report problems directly to Anthropic with full context, or file issues on the GitHub repository. Remember that Claude Code is designed to be conversational - if something doesn’t work as expected, you can ask it to explain its reasoning or try a different approach, just as you would with a human collaborator.