Claude CodeThe board builders scan before they commit to this stack.

Check if you have Node.js

You need v18 or higher. If you see a number like v20.11.0, you're good. If you get "command not found", go to nodejs.org and install it first.

Install Claude Code globally

This installs the claude command on your machine. Runs on macOS, Linux, and Windows (WSL).

Verify it worked

You should see a version number. If you do, you're ready to go.

Open your terminal

On Mac: Spotlight → type "Terminal". On Windows: open WSL or Windows Terminal.

Navigate to your project folder

Replace ~/my-project with the actual path to your project.

Start Claude Code

That's it. Just type claude and hit Enter.

First time? Log in

It'll open a browser window to authenticate with your Anthropic account. Log in, come back to the terminal, and you're connected.

Start talking

Claude automatically reads your project files. Just describe what you want: "add a login page", "fix the failing test", "refactor this function".