Introduction to the New Era of Coding
If you are a developer in India, you have likely seen how rapidly the landscape of software engineering is changing. From the bustling tech hubs of Bangalore to the rising startup scenes in Pune and Gurgaon, efficiency is the name of the game. Recently, a new tool has entered the terminal of developers worldwide: Claude Code. Unlike the standard web interface you might be used to, this is a command-line interface tool that brings the power of advanced reasoning directly into your local development environment.
In this guide, we will walk through exactly how to run Claude Code on your machine. We will cover the prerequisites, the installation process, and some practical examples tailored for the Indian developer community. Whether you are working on a massive enterprise application or a quick freelance project for a local client, mastering this tool can significantly reduce your manual coding hours.
What is Claude Code?
Before we dive into the commands, let us understand what we are setting up. Claude Code is an agentic tool that lives inside your terminal. It does not just suggest snippets of code; it can actually read your files, write new ones, run tests, and even execute git commands. For an Indian developer managing multiple microservices or a complex React frontend, having a tool that understands the context of the entire folder is a game changer.
Prerequisites for Running Claude Code
Before you can start running commands, you need to ensure your system is ready. The requirements are straightforward, but missing one can lead to frustrating errors during installation.
1. Node.js Installation
Claude Code is distributed via npm, which means you must have Node.js installed. It is recommended to use Node.js version 18 or higher. You can check your current version by opening your terminal (Command Prompt or PowerShell on Windows, or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and typing:
node -v
If you do not have it installed, head over to the official Node.js website and download the Long Term Support version. Most developers in India prefer using NVM (Node Version Manager) to handle different projects, which is also a great way to manage this.
2. Anthropic API Account
Since this tool interacts directly with the backend models, you need an API key. This is different from a standard web subscription. You will need to create an account on the Anthropic Console. For Indian users, you can typically link your credit card or use supported international payment methods to add credits to your account. Remember that this tool works on a pay-as-you-go model based on the tokens you use.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Now that the groundwork is laid, let us get to the actual installation. Follow these steps carefully to ensure everything is configured correctly.
Step 1: Install the CLI Tool
Open your terminal and run the following command. This will install the tool globally on your system so you can access it from any project directory.
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
If you are on a Mac or Linux system and encounter permission issues, you might need to prefix the command with sudo:
sudo npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
Step 2: Initialize and Authenticate
Once the installation is complete, you need to link it to your account. Type the following command:
claude
The first time you run this, it will prompt you to authenticate. It will usually provide a link that you need to open in your browser. Log in to your console account, authorize the CLI, and you will be redirected back to the terminal with a success message.
How to Use Claude Code in Your Projects
Running the tool is one thing, but using it effectively is where the real value lies. Let us look at how to navigate the interface and get work done.
Starting a Session
Navigate to your project folder using the 'cd' command. For example, if you are working on a Django project in your 'projects' folder:
cd ~/projects/my-django-app
Now, type 'claude' to start the interactive session. The tool will index the files in your current directory to understand the context of your project.
Common Commands and Interactions
- Asking Questions: You can simply type a question like "How does the authentication logic work in this project?" and it will scan your files to explain it.
- Editing Code: You can give direct instructions like "Refactor the user registration view to include mobile number validation for Indian formats."
- Running Tests: You can ask it to run your test suite and fix any failing tests automatically.
- Git Integration: You can ask it to summarize your changes and create a git commit with a meaningful message.
Practical Example: Building for the Indian Market
Let us say you are building an e-commerce platform for a local startup. You need to implement a GST (Goods and Services Tax) calculation logic for different product categories. Instead of manually writing the switch cases and looking up tax slabs, you can run Claude Code and say:
"Create a utility function in TypeScript that calculates GST based on current Indian tax slabs (5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) for a given product price and category. Add unit tests for this function."
The tool will create the file, write the logic, and even set up the test file for you. This allows you to focus on the high-level architecture of your app while the tool handles the boilerplate.
Managing Costs and Usage
Since you are using the API, it is important to keep an eye on your usage. In the Indian context, where every dollar counts, you want to be efficient. Here are a few tips:
- Use /compact: This command helps clear the conversation history while keeping the essential context, which saves on token costs.
- Be Specific: Instead of saying "Fix my app," say "Fix the bug in the login.js file where the error message does not show."
- Set Limits: In your Anthropic console, you can set monthly spending limits to ensure you do not get a surprise bill at the end of the month.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes things do not go as planned. Here are some common hurdles Indian developers face:
- Network Issues: If you are behind a corporate firewall or using a restricted network, you might need to configure proxy settings for the CLI to reach the API servers.
- Node Version Mismatch: If you see errors related to 'unexpected tokens,' double-check that you are not accidentally using an old version of Node.js.
- API Credits: If the tool suddenly stops working, check your console to ensure your balance is not exhausted.
Conclusion
Running Claude Code is more than just a new way to write functions; it is a shift toward a more conversational and high-level way of interacting with your codebase. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can set up a powerful coding companion that lives right in your terminal. For developers in India, where the tech industry is becoming increasingly competitive, leveraging such tools can provide a significant edge in productivity and code quality. Start small, experiment with different commands, and soon you will find it an indispensable part of your daily workflow.
Can I run Claude Code on Windows?
Yes, Claude Code runs perfectly on Windows. You just need to have Node.js and npm installed. You can use it via PowerShell, Command Prompt, or the terminal inside VS Code.
Do I need a paid subscription to run Claude Code?
You do not need a monthly Pro subscription, but you do need API credits. The CLI tool uses the Anthropic API, which operates on a pay-as-you-go model where you are charged based on the number of tokens processed.
Is my code shared with the server?
When you run Claude Code, the tool sends relevant parts of your codebase to the Anthropic servers to provide context and generate responses. It is important to review your company's data privacy policies before using it on proprietary or sensitive codebases.
How do I update Claude Code to the latest version?
Since the tool is updated frequently, you should keep it current. You can update it by running the installation command again: npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code. This will overwrite the old version with the latest one.
