How to set up Claude Code

Claude Code lets you point Claude at your actual files, projects and tasks — not just a chat window. This guide gets you from nothing to your first working session. No prior technical experience needed.

There are two ways to set it up. Start with the easy way. Only move to the terminal route if your trainer asks you to, or if you specifically want the command-line version.

Before you start

You’ll need:

• A Claude account with a paid plan (Pro or Max). Claude Code is included — you don’t pay separately. Sign up or check your plan at claude.ai.
• A computer — Mac or Windows. (There’s a phone app for Claude, but Claude Code is a desktop tool.)
• About 10 minutes.

That’s it. If you’re on the trainrs.ai course, you may already have a plan provided — check with your trainer before paying for one yourself.

The easy way (no terminal) — recommended

This is the right path for most people on the course.

1. Download the Claude desktop app. Go to claude.ai/download and install it like any other app.
2. Open it and sign in with the same account you use at claude.ai.
3. Open Claude Code inside the app. Claude Code is built in — look for the “Code” area or a project/folder option in the app. When prompted, point it at a folder on your computer (for course work, create a new empty folder called something like trainrs first).
4. Allow access when asked. The first time, your computer may ask permission for Claude to read and write files in that folder. Say yes — Claude only ever touches the folder you choose.
5. You’re in. Type a plain-English instruction (see “Your first command” below).

Prefer working in VS Code? If you use the VS Code editor, install the Claude Code extension from the Extensions panel (search “Claude Code”), then sign in. Same tool, lives inside your editor.

The terminal route (for the command line)

Only do this if you want the command-line version or your trainer points you here. It looks more technical than it is — you copy and paste two lines.

1. Install Node.js. Claude Code needs it to run. Download the “LTS” version from nodejs.org and install it.
2. Open your terminal.
   • Mac: press Cmd + Space, type “Terminal”, press Enter.
   • Windows: open “Command Prompt” or “PowerShell” from the Start menu.
3. Install Claude Code. Copy this line, paste it into the terminal, and press Enter:

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

   Wait for it to finish (a minute or two — lots of text scrolling is normal).
4. Go to your project folder, then start it. Type cd (with a space), drag your project folder onto the terminal window so its path appears, press Enter — then start Claude Code:

   claude

5. Sign in. The first run opens your browser to log in to your Claude account. Approve it, return to the terminal, and you’re ready.

Your first command

Whichever route you took, try giving Claude a real instruction in plain English. For example:

• “Create a file called notes.md and write three bullet points summarising what you can do.”
• “List the files in this folder and tell me what each one is.”

Claude will tell you what it’s about to do and ask before making changes. Read what it says, and approve when you’re happy.

If something goes wrong

• “command not found: claude” (terminal route) — the install didn’t finish or Node.js isn’t set up. Close the terminal, reopen it, and try the npm install line again.
• It won’t let me sign in — make sure you’re using the same email as your paid Claude plan, and that the plan is active at claude.ai.
• It can’t see my files — you pointed it at the wrong folder, or didn’t grant permission. Restart and choose the correct folder when asked.
• Still stuck? Ask in your cohort’s community channel, or use Ask a question in your learning dashboard — your trainer will help.

What’s next

Once you’re set up, come back to the knowledge base for guides on connecting Claude to your tools (email, calendar, Google Drive) and building your first reusable skill. You’ll cover all of this live in the course too — this is just so you’re never blocked between sessions.