Setting Up Claude Code

Overview

Install via npm, authenticate with your API key, create a CLAUDE.md file for project context. Takes about 5 minutes to get running.

Prerequisites

Node.js 18+ Required for npm installation

Anthropic API key Get one at console.anthropic.com

Terminal comfort Claude Code is CLI-first

Git For safe experimentation with branches

Step 1 - Install Claude Code

Install globally via npm:

npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

Verify the installation:

claude --version

Step 2 - Authenticate

Run the auth command and follow the prompts:

claude auth

This stores your API key securely. You only need to do this once per machine.

Step 3 - Create CLAUDE.md

In your project root, create a CLAUDE.md file. This gives Claude Code persistent context about your project. See CLAUDE.md Best Practices for what to put in it and what to leave out.

# Project Name

## Tech Stack
- List your frameworks
- List your languages
- List key dependencies

## Conventions
- Describe naming patterns
- Describe file organization
- Describe coding style

## Boundaries
- What should Claude NOT touch?
- What requires human approval?

Step 4 - Start a Session

Navigate to your project and launch Claude Code:

cd your-project
claude

You are now in an interactive session. Ask Claude to explore your project structure first.

Step 5 - Set up safe practices

Before doing real work with an agent, have a version control setup that lets you see what changed and undo it if needed. The right approach depends on how you work - solo, in a team, or as a non-dev.

Safe Git Practices with Agents

Three guides by builder type - solo, team, and non-dev. Choose yours.

Next Steps

Read CLAUDE.md Best Practices for advanced configuration
Understand the AOL 2 layer and how CLAUDE.md fits into your setup