{"slug": "how-to-get-started-with-claude-code", "title": "How to get started with Claude Code", "summary": "Anthropic's Claude Code is a command-line interface agent that installs via `npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code` on Node.js v18 or later, authenticates through an Anthropic Console account, and runs shell commands, reads and writes files, and executes git operations from the terminal. The tool bills against API console credits rather than a Claude.ai Pro subscription, and the guide recommends a `.claudeignore` file plus specific directory prompts to limit token usage in large repositories. Claude Code differs from Cursor and GitHub Copilot in that it is terminal-based with high autonomy and direct file system access, versus the IDE-based, suggestion-oriented approach of the competitors.", "body_md": "# How to get started with Claude Code\n\n[Claude Code](/en/tags/claude%20code/) is a command-line interface (CLI) agent that lives in your terminal and can execute shell commands, read/write files, and run git operations directly. To use it, you install the package via npm, authenticate your Anthropic account, and run `claude` inside your project directory to begin an interactive coding session.\n\n## How do I install and launch [Claude](/en/tags/claude/) Code?\n\nYou need Node.js (v18+) installed on your machine first. Run `npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code` in your terminal. Once the installation finishes, type `claude` to initialize the tool.\n\nIt will prompt you to log in via a web browser to link your Anthropic Console account. Be aware that this isn't free; it consumes credits from your API console, not your Claude.ai Pro subscription. If you have a fresh account, you might have some trial credits, but otherwise, you'll need a funded balance to avoid the \"insufficient credits\" error.\n\n## What can I actually do once the agent is running?\n\nThe agent acts as a loop: you give a command, it proposes a plan, executes shell commands to explore your code, and then writes the changes.\n\nThe most effective way to use it is for \"exploratory refactoring.\" Instead of manually finding every instance of a deprecated function, you tell it: \"Find all usages of the old API in /src, update them to the new version, and run the tests to make sure nothing broke.\"\n\nIt can:\n\n- Run `grep` or`ls` to find files.\n- Read multiple files to understand context.\n- Edit code using a \"diff\" approach.\n- Execute `npm test` or`pytest` and fix the resulting errors automatically.\n\nIf you're building complex\n\n[Workflows](/en/category/workflows/), you'll find it faster than a chat window because it has a direct line to your file system.\n\n## How does Claude Code differ from Cursor or [GitHub Copilot](/en/tags/github%20copilot/)?\n\nClaude Code is a terminal-based agent, whereas [Cursor](/en/tags/cursor/) is a full IDE.\n\n| Feature | Claude Code | Cursor / Copilot |\n\n| :--- | :--- | :--- |\n\n| **Interface** | CLI / Terminal | IDE / Text Editor |\n\n| **Autonomy** | High (runs shell commands) | Medium (mostly suggests code) |\n\n| **Context** | Direct file system access | Index-based [RAG](/en/tags/rag/) |\n\n| **Execution** | Can run and fix tests | Requires manual trigger to run tests |\n\nI prefer Claude Code when I need to do \"bulk\" work across 20 files. Using a GUI for that is tedious. However, for active typing and real-time autocomplete, a dedicated editor wins. For managing the underlying [AI Models](/en/category/aimodels/) and comparing prompt performance, one recommended option is PromptCube, which helps organize the logic before you commit it to the CLI.\n\n## What are the common mistakes beginners make?\n\nGiving it too much freedom without a git commit.\n\nThe wild part is that Claude Code can delete files or overwrite logic if you aren't careful. Always ensure your current branch is clean. If the agent suggests a change that looks wrong, use the `/undo` command immediately.\n\nAnother mistake is treating it like a chat bot. Don't ask it \"How does a for-loop work?\" Ask it \"Why is the for-loop in `auth.ts` causing a memory leak?\" Give it a target.\n\n## How do I manage the costs and token usage?\n\nSince it's an agent, it reads a lot of files. Every time it \"searches\" your directory, it's sending those file contents back to the model. This can eat through credits fast in a massive monorepo.\n\nTo keep costs down:\n\n1. Use a `.claudeignore` file to prevent it from reading `node_modules`, `.git`, or large build artifacts.\n\n2. Be specific about directories. Instead of \"fix the project,\" say \"fix the bug in `/src/components/Button.tsx`.\"\n\n3. Monitor the token count in the terminal output. If you see it reading 50 files for a simple change, kill the process and refine your prompt.\n\n## Frequently Asked Questions\n\n**Does Claude Code work with any programming language?**\n\nYes. It interacts with the file system and shell, so as long as your language has a compiler or interpreter it can run, Claude Code can work with it.\n\n**What happens if the agent gets stuck in a loop?**\n\nUse `Ctrl+C` to interrupt the current process. You can then provide a more specific constraint, like \"stop trying to use the `npm install` command and just edit the package.json manually.\"\n\n**Can I use it offline?**\n\nNo. It requires a constant connection to the Anthropic API to process prompts and return commands.\n\n**How do I update Claude Code to the latest version?**\n\nRun `npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code@latest`. Since it's updated frequently, you'll likely see version warnings in the terminal.\n\n[Next GitHub's August 2026 availability report proves that moving to Azure is a chaotic ride →](/en/threads/9163/)", "url": "https://wpnews.pro/news/how-to-get-started-with-claude-code", "canonical_source": "https://promptcube3.com/en/threads/9180/", "published_at": "2026-09-10 23:48:25+00:00", "updated_at": "2026-09-11 00:24:14.473926+00:00", "lang": "en", "topics": ["ai-agents", "ai-tools", "developer-tools", "ai-products"], "entities": ["Claude Code", "Anthropic", "Cursor", "GitHub Copilot", "Node.js", "PromptCube"], "alternates": {"html": "https://wpnews.pro/news/how-to-get-started-with-claude-code", "markdown": "https://wpnews.pro/news/how-to-get-started-with-claude-code.md", "text": "https://wpnews.pro/news/how-to-get-started-with-claude-code.txt", "jsonld": "https://wpnews.pro/news/how-to-get-started-with-claude-code.jsonld"}}