You've got terminal skills. Now let's install the tool that makes them useful. Claude Code installation involves a few steps, but we'll walk through each one.
📋 Before You Start
💻 System Requirements
- macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later
- At least 500MB of free disk space
- Internet connection for installation
- Terminal app (comes with your Mac)
- Claude account with Pro subscription or API access
💡 Account Note
Claude Code requires a Claude Pro subscription ($20/month) or API credits. If you're not sure whether it's worth it, you can sign up for Pro, try it for a month, and cancel if it's not for you.
🔨 Step 1: Install Node.js
Claude Code runs on Node.js, a platform that lets JavaScript run outside a browser. You might already have it installed.
Check by opening Terminal and typing:
If you see a version number (like v20.10.0), you're good—skip to Step 2.
If you see "command not found," you need to install Node.js:
Node.js Installation Steps
node --version again to confirm📦 Step 2: Install Claude Code
With Node.js installed, you can install Claude Code using npm (Node Package Manager, which comes with Node.js).
In Terminal, run:
The -g flag means "global"—it installs Claude Code so you can use it from any folder.
This might take a minute. When it's done, verify the installation:
You should see a version number. If you do, Claude Code is installed!
⚡ Pro Tip
If you see errors about permissions, try running the install command with sudo: sudo npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code. You'll need to enter your Mac password. This gives the installer admin privileges to write to system directories.
🔑 Step 3: Authenticate
Claude Code needs to connect to your Claude account. Run:
The first time you run this, it will open a browser window asking you to log in to Claude. Sign in with your Claude account, authorize Claude Code, and you'll be redirected back.
In your terminal, you should see a welcome message indicating you're connected.
✅ Step 4: Verify Everything Works
Let's make sure it's all working. Navigate to a test folder:
(Or wherever you created your practice folder in Module 0.)
Then start Claude Code:
You should see Claude Code start up with a prompt waiting for your input. Type something simple like:
If Claude responds, congratulations—you're ready to go!
Type /exit or press Ctrl+C to quit Claude Code for now.
✅ Success Check
You'll know you've got this when: you can run claude from any folder in Terminal and see Claude Code start up without errors.
✨ What Just Happened
You installed a tool that gives Claude direct access to your file system. When you run claude in a folder, Claude can read files there, create new ones, run code, and more. The terminal is now your interface for working with an AI that can actually do things.
🚨 Troubleshooting
The installation didn't add Claude to your path. Try closing and reopening Terminal. If that doesn't work, you may need to add npm's global bin directory to your PATH. Run npm config get prefix to find where npm installs global packages.
Make sure you're logged into Claude with an account that has Claude Pro or API access. Free accounts may have limited Claude Code access. Check your subscription status at claude.ai/settings.
This is a permissions error. The safest solution is to configure npm to use a different directory. See npm's guide to fixing permissions. Alternatively, use sudo (less ideal).
Check Anthropic's official documentation at docs.anthropic.com for the latest installation instructions. Things can change, and the official docs are always up to date.
📚 Resources & Further Reading
- Official Claude Code Documentation The authoritative source for installation, features, and updates
- Introduction to Node.js Learn more about what Node.js is and why it's used
- Installing Node.js and npm Official npm guide if you run into installation issues
- Claude Product Page Learn about Claude Pro features and pricing
💭 Pause & Reflect
Before moving on, take a moment to consider:
- How did the installation process compare to your expectations?
- Which step felt most challenging? Why?
- What will you try first once you start using Claude Code?
🎯 Claude Code Installed!
You've got the tool. Next, let's learn how to talk to it.
Topic 1.1 Complete • Up Next: 1.2 – Your First Conversation