> Source URL: /unit-3/resources/claude-code.guide
# Claude Code Guide

Claude Code is an AI coding agent from Anthropic. It started as a terminal tool but now also works as a VS Code extension and JetBrains plugin, so you can use it alongside whatever editor you prefer. Claude Code paired with Claude Opus 4.6 is currently one of the most capable coding agent setups available.

## Getting Started

### Terminal (CLI)

Install using the native installer for your operating system (no npm or Node.js required):

**macOS:**

```bash
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash
```

**Windows (PowerShell):**

```powershell
irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex
```

You can also install with a package manager:

- **Homebrew (macOS):** `brew install --cask claude-code`
- **WinGet (Windows):** `winget install Anthropic.ClaudeCode`
- **npm (if you have Node.js):** `npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code`

After installation, close and reopen your terminal, then run `claude` in any project directory to start a session.

### VS Code Extension

1. Open VS Code
2. Go to Extensions and search for "Claude Code"
3. Install the Anthropic extension
4. Press `Cmd+Esc` (Mac) or `Ctrl+Esc` (Windows/Linux) to open the Claude Code panel

### JetBrains Plugin

1. Open your JetBrains IDE (IntelliJ, PyCharm, WebStorm, etc.)
2. Go to Settings > Plugins > Marketplace
3. Search for "Claude Code" and install
4. Restart the IDE
5. Press `Cmd+Esc` (Mac) or `Ctrl+Esc` (Windows/Linux) to open Claude Code

All three interfaces share the same underlying engine, so your configuration and project memory carry across them.

## Pricing

Claude Code requires a Claude subscription or API access:

- **Pro ($20/mo):** Includes Claude Code with usage caps. Good for getting started.
- **Max 5x ($100/mo):** 5x the Pro usage limits. For daily, heavier use.
- **Max 20x ($200/mo):** 20x the Pro usage limits. For all-day power users.
- **API (pay-per-token):** No monthly fee, pay only for what you use. Requires an Anthropic API key.

There is no student discount. New users can start a 30-day free trial of Claude Pro at [claude.ai](https://claude.ai/).

## For This Course

Claude Code is a paid option. If you want to try it, the 30-day free trial is a good way to experiment. For a free long-term option, see [GitHub Copilot](./github-copilot.guide.md) or [OpenCode](./opencode.guide.md).

## Resources

- [Claude Code Documentation](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/overview)
- [Claude Code Pricing](https://code.claude.com/pricing)


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## Backlinks

The following sources link to this document:

- [Claude Code Guide](/unit-3/labs/01-transition/01-transition.lab.llm.md)
- [Claude Code Guide](/unit-3/resources/agents-comparison.guide.llm.md)