Complete guide to Claude Code
Getting started
Install Claude Code from code.claude.com, either as a terminal CLI, as a VS Code or JetBrains extension, or as a desktop app. After signing in with your Anthropic account, go to your project folder and launch the Claude Code command: the agent automatically reads the repository structure to understand the context. From there, you describe the task you want in natural language, from 'explain this module' to 'refactor this function and add tests', and Claude Code plans the steps, edits the necessary files, runs commands (tests, build, git), and shows you the result so you can review it before accepting it.
Use cases
Refactors and multi-file changes
Delegate a change that touches several files in the repository (renaming a function, migrating an internal API) and let the agent apply it consistently across the whole project.
Debugging with full context
Paste a stack trace or describe a failure and let Claude Code explore the repository, identify the cause, and propose the fix.
Git and test workflow automation
Ask it to write tests for a module, run them, and iterate until they pass, or to prepare a commit with a message that matches the changes made.
Advanced setup
- Choosing a model (Sonnet vs Opus)Paid plans let you choose between Sonnet 5 (faster and cheaper) and Opus 5 (more powerful) depending on the complexity of the task.
- Permissions and change reviewClaude Code asks for confirmation before running sensitive commands or applying large changes; Team/Enterprise plans add role-based permission controls and auditing.
Tips
- Start by asking for a plan before it makes large changes, so you can correct course before it edits files.
- Take advantage of the fact that it understands the whole repository: you can ask it to explain legacy code without pointing it to the relevant files one by one.
- For your team's repetitive tasks, document project conventions in an instructions file that the agent reads automatically at startup.
FAQ
Is it free?
It has a free tier with usage limits; for heavy use you need a Pro plan ($20/month) or Max ($100-$200/month).
How is it different from Cursor?
Cursor is a full editor with predictive autocomplete; Claude Code is an agent that lives in the terminal (or as an extension) and focuses on having complete tasks delegated to it end to end.
Where can I use it?
From the terminal (CLI), as a VS Code or JetBrains extension, in a desktop app, or integrated into Slack.
Based on Web research and independent verification carried out on Sep 3, 2026: code.claude.com/docs/en/vs-code, github.com/anthropics/claude-code, cloudzero.com/blog/claude-code-pricing, benchlm.ai/anthropic/api-pricing (prices dated September 2026).