> getting started
Claude Code is an agentic coding tool that lives in your terminal: it reads your code, edits files, runs commands, and loops until the task is done. This section covers getting the single claude binary onto your machine, signing in, and keeping it current. The native installer is the recommended path and auto-updates itself; npm and Homebrew install the same binary for people who prefer those package managers.
// getting started
5 commands// faq
Is Claude Code free?
No. Claude Code requires a paid Claude plan (Pro, Max, Team, or Enterprise) or an Anthropic Console account billed per API token. The free Claude.ai tier does not include Claude Code access. You can also point it at a third-party provider like Amazon Bedrock, Google Cloud's Agent Platform, or Microsoft Foundry using their credentials.
Which install method should I use?
The native installer (curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash on macOS/Linux/WSL, irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex on Windows) is recommended because it auto-updates in the background. Choose npm (npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code, needs Node.js 22+) or Homebrew (brew install --cask claude-code) if you prefer to manage it with an existing package manager, but those don't auto-update.
Why does claude update say I'm up to date when I'm not?
claude update only manages native installs. If you installed through Homebrew, WinGet, or a Linux package manager, updates come from that tool instead — run brew upgrade claude-code or winget upgrade Anthropic.ClaudeCode. claude doctor shows the result of the last update attempt and flags installs it can't auto-update.
Do I have to run Claude Code inside a git repository?
No, but it's designed around one. Features like checkpointing, worktree sessions, PR review, and per-repository auto memory assume a git repo. Outside a repo, Claude Code still runs and uses the current directory as the project root; you just lose the git-aware features.