Vibe Coding using Claude Code/Setup & Foundations
Lesson 2 / 5 · 6 min
Course contents
Walkthrough

Install the CLI

Get Claude Code running on your machine and verify the install.

Note
You need a Claude account with a Pro or Max plan (or an Anthropic API key). The install itself is free — the agent needs the account to think with.
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash
Good to know
Verify with claude --version — a version number means the CLI is on your PATH and ready.
Which install method should I pick?

The native installer (curl/PowerShell) is recommended — no Node.js required and it self-updates cleanly. Use the npm route only if you already live in a Node toolchain and prefer managing it there.

Watch · Anthropic

Prefer an app over a terminal? Same agent, desktop surface — watch after the CLI install to see which home fits you.

Steps · 0 / 4 done

  1. Install the CLI

    Pick your platform in the tabs above and run the one-liner. The native installer is the recommended path — no Node.js required.

    bash
    claude --version
    VerifyA version number prints. If command not found, open a fresh terminal so PATH changes load.

  2. Authenticate

    Launch Claude Code from any directory. The first run opens a browser window for OAuth login with your Claude account.

    bash
    claude
    VerifyAfter login the prompt becomes interactive and shows your working directory in the header.

  3. Pick a project

    Quit (Ctrl+C twice) and re-run claude from inside an existing repo. The directory you launch from becomes the working tree the agent can read and edit.

    bash
    cd ~/code/your-project
claude
    VerifyThe header shows the project path. Type "hi" to confirm the agent responds.

  4. Try a smoke test

    Ask the agent to describe your repo. If it can list files and summarize the structure, your install is healthy.

    prompt
    What does this repo do? Read package.json and the README, then summarize in 3 lines.
    VerifyYou should see a Read tool call against your files, then a 3-line summary.
Check your understanding
Q1. Which folder becomes Claude Code's working tree?
· Tick off the 4 step(s) above.
· Score 100% on the quiz.