02 / Local setup
Your own computer.
Your own workspace.
Choose a visual desktop experience or learn the terminal. GitHub is optional for local projects.
Choose a local interface
| Option | Best fit | Getting started |
|---|---|---|
| Claude desktop app | A visual workspace, file diffs, and sessions without living in a terminal. | Install the official app, open Code, choose a local folder, and sign in. |
| VS Code extension | Editing files while Claude works alongside you. | Install the official Anthropic Claude Code extension in VS Code, open your project, and sign in. |
| Terminal CLI | Servers, scripting, complete command reference, and flexible local tools. | Install Claude Code, enter your project folder, and run claude. |
Desktop platform support and account requirements differ from the CLI. Use the official desktop or editor instructions for your operating system.
Install the terminal version
A terminal command runs on your computer. Open PowerShell on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux. Choose one installation method, rather than installing several copies.
Windows: PowerShell and WinGet
For a straightforward package-manager install:
winget install Anthropic.ClaudeCodeClose and reopen PowerShell, then verify:
claude --versionIf WinGet is unavailable, Anthropic also provides the native installer below. It downloads and executes an official script; inspect it first if you prefer.
irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iexGit for Windows is recommended for Bash-based project tooling. WSL is a separate Linux environment and is optional, not required just to begin.
macOS: Homebrew or native installer
brew install --cask claude-codeThis assumes Homebrew is already installed. The alternative native installer is:
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bashUse only one method. Verify with claude --version.
Linux or WSL: native installer
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash
claude --versionRun this inside your chosen Linux environment. Native installation does not require you to install Node.js just for Claude Code. The projects Claude works on may require their own runtimes.
Create a practice folder and sign in
mkdir claude-practice
cd claude-practice
claude --permission-mode planThe first two commands make a folder and enter it. The last starts Claude Code in Plan mode. Follow its sign-in instructions. A Claude subscription and a Console API account are different billing paths. If an ANTHROPIC_API_KEY is already configured, check which account is being used.
/statusCheck the account, model, and working folder. Only trust a project folder after checking what is in it. Then try:
Help me build my first static webpage. Explain your plan before
editing. Use index.html and style.css only. The page should have
a title, a short About section, and a button that changes a message.
After I approve, implement it and explain how to open it.Open and inspect the result
Once you approve and Claude creates the files, open index.html in your browser for this simple static exercise. Click the button. Resize the window. Check that the text is readable. More complex apps need their documented development server.
/diffAsk what was tested, then save a Git commit if you initialized Git. Start another session later from the same folder with claude -c. Use /exit to leave an ordinary interactive session.
Keep the setup working
| Installed with | Update method |
|---|---|
| WinGet | winget upgrade Anthropic.ClaudeCode |
| Homebrew | brew upgrade claude-code |
| Native installer | Automatic updates; claude update can request an update. |
Run claude doctor for a read-only diagnostic report. Your project’s Node, Python, Java, database, and test tools are separate dependencies. Ask Claude to identify the versions the project requires before installing them.
Your files and tools can run at home, but Claude’s model requests still go to the configured online provider. Local installation does not give you downloadable Claude model weights.
Official references: Terminal quickstart ↗ · Advanced setup ↗ · Desktop quickstart ↗ · VS Code integration ↗ · CLI reference ↗
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