What is Claude Code?
If you have used ChatGPT or the standard Claude.ai interface, you are used to a chatbot. You ask a question, it gives you text.
Claude Code is different. It is an *agent*. It does not just give you text; it actively reads the files on your computer, writes new code, creates folders, and runs terminal commands. It is the difference between asking an architect for a blueprint (Claude.ai) and hiring a general contractor to build the house (Claude Code).
Why It Intimidates Beginners
Claude Code has a reputation for living in the command line, and for non-technical users, seeing a black screen with text is terrifying. It feels like you are hacking the mainframe. You aren't. The terminal is a text-based way to talk to your computer.
You also do not have to use the terminal at all. Claude Code also comes as a desktop app for Mac, Windows and Linux, runs in your browser, and installs into VS Code. The steps below cover the terminal version because it is the one every guide assumes, but if the black screen is the thing stopping you, download the desktop app instead and skip Steps 2 and 3.
How to Start (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Nothing to install first
Claude Code ships as a single program. You do not need Node.js, Python, or any other runtime. The npm route still exists as an advanced option, but the recommended install is a native binary. Skip straight to Step 2.
Step 2: Open Your Terminal
On a Mac, open the app called "Terminal". On Windows, open "PowerShell". You can tell them apart by the prompt: PowerShell shows PS C:\ and Command Prompt shows C:\ with no PS. The Windows command in Step 3 is the PowerShell one.
Step 3: Install Claude Code
On a Mac or Linux, type this exact command and press Enter:
`curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash`
On Windows PowerShell, use this instead:
`irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex`
Then confirm it worked by typing `claude --version`.
Step 4: Authenticate
Type `claude` and press Enter. It will open a browser window asking you to log in.
One thing to know before you get here: Claude Code needs a paid plan. Pro, Max, Team, Enterprise, or a Claude Console account with credits all work. The free Claude.ai plan does not include Claude Code, so a free account will complete every step above and then stop at this screen.
Step 5: Start Building
Create an empty folder on your desktop. In your terminal, type `cd ` (the letters c and d, then a space), then drag the folder onto the terminal window. Dragging pastes the folder's path, and `cd` is what actually moves you into it. Press Enter, then type `claude` again.
Now, just type what you want: *"Create a new HTML file with a beautiful, dark-mode landing page for my wellness coaching business."*
Claude Code will read the folder, create the file, write the HTML and CSS, and tell you when it is done.
Two things to know before you turn it loose. First, on Pro, Max and Team plans a new terminal session starts in Auto mode, which means Claude edits most files and runs most commands without stopping to ask you. Press Shift+Tab at any time to cycle to a mode that asks first. Second, start in an empty practice folder, not in a folder holding anything you cannot afford to lose, and never put passwords, API keys or patient information in a file the agent can read.
The One Rule You Must Follow
Always create a `CLAUDE.md` file in your folder before you start. Write your instructions, colors, and rules in that file. Claude Code automatically reads it every time it starts, so your brand guidelines and rules are in front of it every session.