Does not require Node.js, updates automatically in the background.
macOS / Linux / WSL:
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash
Windows PowerShell:
irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex
Windows CMD:
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.cmd -o install.cmd && install.cmd && del install.cmd
Homebrew (macOS / Linux):
brew install --cask claude-code
Does not update automatically. Update: brew upgrade claude-code.
WinGet (Windows):
winget install Anthropic.ClaudeCode
Does not update automatically. Update: winget upgrade Anthropic.ClaudeCode.
npm (deprecated):
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
Requires Node.js 18+. Migration to the native installer is recommended.
claude --version
claude doctor # extended check
Claude Code on Windows requires Git for Windows or WSL.
Option 1: Native Windows + Git Bash — install Git for Windows, then run the installer from PowerShell or CMD.
Option 2: WSL — WSL 1 and WSL 2 are supported. WSL 2 supports sandboxing.
If Claude Code cannot find Git Bash, specify the path in ~/.claude/settings.json:
{
"env": {
"CLAUDE_CODE_GIT_BASH_PATH": "C:\\Program Files\\Git\\bin\\bash.exe"
}
}
Additional packages are required:
apk add libgcc libstdc++ ripgrep
In ~/.claude/settings.json:
{
"env": {
"USE_BUILTIN_RIPGREP": "0"
}
}
On the first launch of claude, a browser will open for sign-in. Follow the instructions.
The extension provides a graphical interface right in the IDE: chat panel, inline diff, @-mentions of files, checkpoint-based undo, parallel sessions. Cursor is built on VS Code, so the extension is fully compatible — all features, keyboard shortcuts, and capabilities are identical.
Requirements: VS Code 1.98.0+ / Cursor latest version
Installation:
Cmd+Shift+X / Ctrl+Shift+X → search for "Claude Code" → Install. Or: Install for VS CodeCmd+Shift+X / Ctrl+Shift+X → search for "Claude Code" → Install. Or: Install for CursorIf the extension won't install via Marketplace in Cursor — manual installation via VSIX:
# macOS/Linux:
cursor --install-extension ~/.claude/local/node_modules/@anthropic-ai/claude-code/vendor/claude-code.vsix
# Windows:
cursor --install-extension %USERPROFILE%\.claude\local\node_modules\@anthropic-ai\claude-code\vendor\claude-code.vsix
After installation, fully restart Cursor.
How to open:
Cmd+Shift+P → "Claude Code"Key keyboard shortcuts:
| Action | Mac | Windows/Linux |
|---|---|---|
| Toggle focus (editor ↔ Claude) | Cmd+Esc |
Ctrl+Esc |
| New conversation | Cmd+N |
Ctrl+N |
| Open in new tab | Cmd+Shift+Esc |
Ctrl+Shift+Esc |
| Insert @-mention of selection | Option+K |
Alt+K |
The extension includes the CLI — it can be used from the built-in terminal for advanced features.
The plugin runs Claude Code CLI inside the IDE and uses the diff viewer to review changes.
Installation: Settings → Plugins → Marketplace → search for "Claude Code [Beta]" → Install → restart IDE.
Requirements: Claude Code CLI must be installed separately (see section 1).
How to open: Cmd+Esc (Mac) / Ctrl+Esc (Win/Linux), or through the IDE's built-in terminal.
Claude Desktop is a desktop application with a graphical interface. The Cowork feature allows Claude to perform multi-step tasks with files on your computer: creating documents, analyzing data, organizing files.
Download:
Cowork is available on paid plans (Pro, Max, Team, Enterprise). Works on macOS and Windows with full feature parity.
Cowork is not a replacement for Claude Code CLI/IDE, but a supplementary tool for tasks outside of coding: document work, research, file operations.
After installing Claude Code and cloning repositories (see Spec-Driven Workflow):
Terminal:
cd claude_workspace
claude
VS Code:
claude_workspace folder as a workspaceCLAUDE.md and .claude/JetBrains:
claude_workspace as a projectclaudeSettings from CLAUDE.md, .claude/settings.json, and .claude/skills/ are picked up automatically in all cases.
After launching, verify:
CLAUDE.md)/ and check for /review-backend, /review-frontend, /commitcontext_base/teamwork_tasks/"claude_workspace, not from a nested repository.claude/skills/ exists and contains filesPREFERRED_LANGUAGE in CLAUDE.mdclaude doctor in the terminal/help in the agent chatSources: