Claude

Installing Claude Code

Claude Code can be installed in almost anywhere you develop. This can be: in the terminal, VS Code, JetBrains, Claude Desktop, or on the web. We walk you through installation steps for each platform and help you pick the right one based on your use case. Take the full course: claude.com/courses

May 14, 2026·3m·Watch on YouTube ↗

📖 CHAPTERS

1. 1

   Where you can use Claude Code (terminal, web, IDE)

   The video frames Claude Code as flexible: you can run it in a terminal, in a browser, or inside popular IDEs. It previews that setup differs slightly by platform, and that each surface has tradeoffs.

2. 2

   macOS/Linux/WSL install: curl one-liner vs Homebrew

   For Unix-like environments, the recommended approach is a single curl command that installs Claude Code quickly. Homebrew is also supported, but with the important caveat that it won’t auto-update.

3. 3

   Windows install options: PowerShell, CMD curl, and winget

   On Windows, there are multiple installation paths depending on your shell. PowerShell uses Invoke-RestMethod, CMD can use curl, and winget is offered as a package-manager route (also without auto-update).

4. 4

   First run in a project directory: setup prompts and sign-in

   After installation, you run Claude from within your project folder and complete initial configuration. You’ll choose a theme and authenticate using an account type (Pro/Max/Enterprise) or an API key.

5. 5

   Understanding directory access and permissions scope

   The video clarifies that Claude’s working context is the directory you run it in. It will be able to access that folder and all subfolders, so choosing the launch directory matters.

6. 6

   VS Code extension: install and launch Claude Code tab

   For Visual Studio Code, you install the official Claude Code extension (verified publisher) and may need to restart. You can then open Claude Code via the command palette or the Claude logo in the editor.

7. 7

   VS Code configuration: use terminal-only experience (opt out of UI)

   If you prefer a minimal workflow, VS Code lets you disable the UI surface and rely on the terminal experience. This is controlled via settings.

8. 8

   JetBrains IDEs: plugin install and integrated pane

   In JetBrains products, you install the Claude Code plugin from the marketplace and restart the IDE. After reopening, a Claude logo appears and opens a pane that mirrors the terminal experience alongside your coding.

9. 9

   Claude Desktop: enable Code mode for folder-based work

   The desktop app includes a Code toggle that switches from chat-style usage to a coding workspace. It supports working in a chosen folder, adjusting permissions, and even using cloud environments.

10. 10

    Claude on the web: claude.ai/code with GitHub-only constraint

    The web version is accessed at claude.ai/code and closely resembles the desktop experience. Its main limitation is that it only works with GitHub repositories.

11. 11

    Choosing the right surface: updates, integration, background work, remote sessions

    The video closes by comparing options: terminal gets new features first and stays most up-to-date, IDE integrations feel native to your editor, desktop can run in the background, and web is best for remote GitHub-based workflows and parallel sessions. Ultimately, the best choice depends on how and where you prefer to work.