Setup in 20 Minutes

Setup is the part where most people give up. Don't. It's 20 minutes and then it's done.

What You Need#

If you're on Windows and not sure what Git Bash or WSL are: get a Mac for this. The path of least resistance for a first-time builder is macOS. Everything in this guide was written for Mac/Linux.

Step 1: Subscribe to Claude#

Go to claude.ai and sign up for Pro ($20/month) or Max ($100/month).

Which plan?

• Pro is enough to start. You get access to Claude Code with a reasonable usage limit.
• Max removes the limits. If you're running multiple long sessions per week, upgrade to Max.

Start with Pro. Upgrade when you hit the limits.

Step 2: Install Node.js#

Claude Code runs as a command-line tool installed via Node.js.

On Mac (using Homebrew -- the standard package manager):

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
brew install node

If you've never opened Terminal before: press Cmd+Space, type "Terminal", press Enter. You're now in your terminal.

Verify it worked:

node --version

You should see something like v22.x.x. If you see a version number, Node is installed.

Step 3: Install Claude Code#

npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

This installs Claude Code globally, meaning you can run it from anywhere.

Verify:

claude --version

You should see a version number.

Step 4: Authenticate#

claude

The first time you run this, it will open your browser and ask you to log in with your Claude account (the one you subscribed with in Step 1). Log in, authorize, and return to your terminal.

You're authenticated. Claude Code is ready.

Step 5: Your First Command#

Create a folder for your first project:

mkdir ~/my-first-build
cd ~/my-first-build
claude

Claude Code will start inside that folder. Type:

Hello. What can you build for me?

It will respond with a list of things it can help with. This is your first conversation.

Now try something real:

Create a simple script that tells me today's date and day of the week when I run it.

Watch what happens. It will:

1. Write a file (probably date.py or date.sh)
2. Make it executable
3. Run it to verify it works
4. Tell you the command to run it yourself

Run the command it gives you. See the output. That's your first build.

Understanding Your Terminal#

If the terminal is new to you, here are the five commands you'll use constantly:

You don't need to memorize these. You'll learn them by using them.

The CLAUDE.md File#

Claude Code reads a special file called CLAUDE.md in your project folder. Anything you write in this file becomes permanent context -- Claude Code will know it without you having to repeat it every session.

For your first project, create one:

# Inside your project folder:
claude

Then ask:

Create a CLAUDE.md file for this project. The project is: [describe your project in one sentence].

It will create the file. Open it, read it, edit it to match what you actually need. This file is your handshake with Claude Code for this project.

Troubleshooting#

"command not found: claude" The install didn't work or npm's bin directory isn't in your PATH. Try: npx @anthropic-ai/claude-code

"Authentication failed" Make sure you're logged into claude.ai with the same account that has an active Pro or Max subscription.

"Permission denied" Add sudo before the npm install command: sudo npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

Stuck or confused Just ask Claude Code. Open it and type exactly what's happening. It's good at diagnosing its own setup issues.

What You've Done#

You now have:

• Node.js installed
• Claude Code installed and authenticated
• A project folder
• A working first script
• A CLAUDE.md file

You're set up. The hard part is over.

Next: Your First Real Project