Getting Started with Claude Code in 10 Minutes

getting-started · 4 min · March 5, 2026

Claude Code is a powerful AI coding assistant that runs right in your terminal. In this guide, you'll go from zero to building with Claude Code in under 10 minutes. Let's get started.

Terminal showing Node.js installation

Step 1: Install Node.js

Claude Code requires Node.js to run. If you don't have it installed, download it from nodejs.org and follow the installer for your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux).

Once installed, verify it's working by opening your terminal and running:

Terminal

node -v

You should see a version number like v20.x.x. Next, verify npm (Node's package manager) is also available:

Terminal

npm -v

If both commands return version numbers, you're ready for the next step.

If you're on a Mac and prefer Homebrew, you can also install Node.js with brew install node.

Step 2: Install Claude Code

With Node.js installed, you can now install Claude Code globally using npm. Run this command in your terminal:

Terminal

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

This downloads and installs Claude Code so you can use it from anywhere on your system. Once the installation finishes, verify it worked:

Terminal

claude --version

You should see the Claude Code version number printed in your terminal.

Step 3: Authorize Claude Code

Before you can start building, you need to connect Claude Code to your Anthropic account. Run:

Terminal

claude

This will open a browser window where you can log in to your Anthropic account and authorize Claude Code. Follow the prompts to complete the authorization.

Claude Code Authorization Screen

Once authorized, you'll see a confirmation message in your terminal. Claude Code is now ready to use.

Step 4: Start a Project

Now for the fun part. Navigate to a folder where you want to create your project, or create a new one:

Terminal

cd my-project

Then start Claude Code:

Terminal

claude

You're now in an interactive session with Claude Code. Try describing what you want to build:

Example prompt:

Create a simple todo app with a clean design. It should let me add tasks, mark them as complete, and delete them. Use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Make it look modern with a dark theme.

Claude Code will generate the files, explain what it's creating, and you can iterate from there. Ask for changes, add features, or refine the design — it's a conversation.

Common Installation Issues

Here are solutions to the most common problems people encounter:

Permission Errors on Mac/Linux

If you see a permission error when installing globally, try running with sudo:

Terminal

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

Command Not Found

If your terminal says claude: command not found after installation, your npm global bin directory might not be in your PATH. Try closing and reopening your terminal, or run npm bin -g to find where global packages are installed and add that directory to your PATH.

Authorization Issues

If the browser authorization doesn't work, try logging out and logging back in:

Terminal

claude logout

Terminal

claude login

Pro tip: Once you're comfortable with Claude Code, explore its advanced features like reading existing codebases, running shell commands, and managing multi-file projects. The more context you give it about your project, the better the results.

What's Next?

You're all set up and ready to build. Here are some things to try:

Build a personal portfolio website
Create a simple game like tic-tac-toe or a quiz
Generate a tool you've always wanted but couldn't find
Explore connecting Claude Code to Figma for design-to-code workflows

The best way to learn is to build. Pick an idea and start prompting. You'll be surprised how much you can create in just a few minutes.