Claude Code is one of the most powerful AI tools available, and it runs directly on your computer. Not in a browser tab you forget about. Right on your machine, with access to your files, your projects, and your workflow. Here’s how to set it up from scratch.
What You Need
Before you start, make sure you have:
- A Mac, Windows, or Linux computer (Mac is easiest, but all work).
- An internet connection.
- An Anthropic account. Go to anthropic.com and sign up if you haven’t.
- About 15 minutes.
Step 1: Install Node.js
Claude Code runs on Node.js. If you don’t have it, here’s what to do:
On Mac: Open Terminal (search for “Terminal” in Spotlight). Type:
brew install nodeIf you don’t have Homebrew yet, install it first by pasting this into Terminal:
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"On Windows: Download the installer from nodejs.org. Run it. Click Next through everything. Done.
To verify it worked, type node --version in your terminal. You should see a version number.
Step 2: Install Claude Code
With Node.js installed, open your terminal and type:
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-codeThis installs Claude Code globally so you can use it from anywhere on your computer. It takes a minute or two.
Step 3: Authenticate
Type claude in your terminal and press Enter. The first time you run it, it’ll ask you to log in with your Anthropic account. Follow the link it gives you, sign in, and you’re connected.
Step 4: Start Using It
Navigate to any folder on your computer and type claude. You’re now in a conversation with an AI that can see your files, edit your code, run commands, and help you build things.
Try something simple first:
- “What files are in this folder?”
- “Create a simple to-do list in a file called tasks.txt”
- “What’s the weather going to be like today?” (Yes, it can search the web too.)
The CLAUDE.md File
Here’s a pro tip that makes Claude Code dramatically more useful. Create a file called CLAUDE.md in your home directory or project folder. This file contains instructions that Claude reads every time it starts up.
Think of it as a briefing document. “Here’s who I am. Here’s what I’m working on. Here’s how I like things done.” Claude reads it and adjusts accordingly.
A simple one might look like:
# About Me
I'm a small business owner who's new to AI.
Keep explanations simple and practical.
I prefer step-by-step instructions.
# Current Projects
- Building a personal website
- Setting up a daily productivity system
- Learning to use AI for email managementEvery conversation starts with Claude already knowing your context. No more re-explaining who you are every time.
Tips for Getting Started
- Talk naturally. You don’t need special commands. Just tell it what you want like you’d tell a coworker.
- Start small. Don’t try to build a full system on day one. Ask it to do one useful thing. Then another.
- Read what it does. Claude will show you what changes it’s making. Get in the habit of reading that output. You’ll learn a lot about how your computer works in the process.
- Use /help if you get stuck. It’ll show you available commands and tips.
What’s Next
Once you’re comfortable with basic conversations, the real power unlocks. Connecting Claude to your email. Building dashboards. Automating daily tasks. Setting up the productivity systems covered in this library.
But none of that matters until you take step one. Install it. Open it. Say hello. You’ll be surprised how quickly it starts feeling like a natural part of how you work.
Want help building your own AI system? Grab the free 7-day starter guide and start today. Or browse all 10 coaching sessions to see the full program.