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Claude Code requires Node.js 18+ and is available through multiple installation methods.
Installation via npm is deprecated. Use one of the recommended methods below for the best experience.

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Prerequisites

  • Node.js 18 or higher: Required for running Claude Code
  • Git: Required for repository operations and version control features
  • Terminal: Command line access (bash, zsh, PowerShell, etc.)

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Installation Methods

The recommended installation method uses our installation script: 
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash
This method automatically detects your system and installs the appropriate version.

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Homebrew (macOS / Linux)

If you prefer package managers: 
brew install --cask claude-code
For Windows, use our PowerShell installation script: 
irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex

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WinGet (Windows)

Alternatively, use the Windows Package Manager: 
winget install Anthropic.ClaudeCode

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NPM (Deprecated)

NPM installation is deprecated and will be removed in a future version. Use one of the recommended methods above.
If you still need to use npm: 
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

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Verification

After installation, verify Claude Code is installed correctly: 
claude --version
You should see the version number displayed.

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First Run

Navigate to your project directory and run: 
claude
On first run, Claude Code will:
  1. Prompt you to authenticate with your Anthropic account
  2. Initialize your project configuration
  3. Start an interactive session

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Authentication

Claude Code supports multiple authentication methods: 
# Claude will open your browser for authentication
claude
If the browser doesn’t open automatically during OAuth, press c to copy the URL and paste it into your browser.

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Platform-Specific Notes

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macOS

Permissions: You may need to grant terminal permissions in System Preferences > Security & Privacy. Gatekeeper: On first run, macOS may block the executable. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy and click “Allow Anyway.”

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Linux

glibc Compatibility: Claude Code requires glibc 2.30 or later. For older systems (e.g., RHEL 8), use the npm installation method. Permissions: Ensure the installation directory is in your PATH: 
export PATH="$HOME/.claude/bin:$PATH"
Add this to your ~/.bashrc or ~/.zshrc for persistence.

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Windows

PowerShell Execution Policy: You may need to allow script execution: 
Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser
Git Bash: Claude Code works with Git Bash, PowerShell, and Command Prompt. WSL2: For WSL2 users, follow the Linux installation instructions within your WSL environment.

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Installation Locations

Claude Code installs to the following default locations:
PlatformInstallation Path
macOS (script)~/.claude/bin/claude
macOS (Homebrew)/usr/local/bin/claude
Linux~/.claude/bin/claude
Windows%LOCALAPPDATA%\Programs\ClaudeCode

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Configuration Files

After installation, Claude Code creates configuration files: 
~/.claude/
├── config.json              # Global configuration
├── settings.json            # User settings
├── managed-settings.json    # Enterprise settings
└── backups/                 # Configuration backups
Project-specific configuration lives in: 
project-root/
└── .claude/
    ├── settings.json        # Project settings
    ├── settings.local.json  # Local overrides
    ├── commands/            # Custom slash commands
    ├── agents/              # Custom agents
    ├── skills/              # Custom skills
    └── hooks/               # Event hooks

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Update Management

Claude Code automatically checks for updates and can update itself: 
# Check for updates
claude doctor

# View update channel (stable or latest)
claude config
Update channels can be configured in settings. The stable channel receives tested releases, while latest gets new features faster.

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Shell Completion

Enable shell completion for better CLI experience: 
# Add to ~/.bashrc
eval "$(claude completion bash)"

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Troubleshooting

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Installation Fails

Issue: Installation script fails or hangs Solutions:
  • Check internet connection
  • Verify Node.js 18+ is installed: node --version
  • Try alternative installation method (Homebrew, WinGet)
  • Check firewall/proxy settings

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Command Not Found

Issue: claude: command not found after installation Solutions:
  • Restart your terminal
  • Check PATH includes Claude installation directory
  • For manual installations, add to PATH: 
    export PATH="$HOME/.claude/bin:$PATH"

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Authentication Issues

Issue: OAuth redirect doesn’t work Solutions:
  • Press c to copy URL manually
  • Check browser settings allow opening localhost URLs
  • Use API key authentication instead: 
    export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=your_key

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Performance Issues

Issue: Claude Code is slow to start Solutions:
  • Use simple mode for faster startup: 
    export CLAUDE_CODE_SIMPLE=true
  • Check MCP server connections (may slow startup)
  • Review plugin configurations

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System-Specific Issues

Run claude doctor to diagnose common issues. It checks installation method, version, configuration, and permissions.

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Uninstallation

To remove Claude Code: 
rm -rf ~/.claude
# Remove from PATH in ~/.bashrc or ~/.zshrc
Uninstalling removes all global configuration. Project-specific .claude/ directories in your repositories are not affected.

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Next Steps

Quickstart

Get started with your first commands

Configuration

Customize settings and permissions

CLI Reference

Learn all available CLI commands

Core Concepts

Understand how Claude Code works

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