Start your first session in a project
getting started
// what it does
Run claude from inside a project directory to open an interactive session; on first launch it walks you through a browser login. You need a Pro, Max, Team, Enterprise, or Console account — the free Claude.ai plan does not include Claude Code. Pass an initial prompt inline (claude "explain this project") to skip straight to a task.
// shell
$ cd your-project$ claude$ claude "what does this project do?"// gotcha
If ANTHROPIC_API_KEY is set in your environment, Claude Code prompts once to approve that key instead of opening the browser login, which can silently bill your Console account instead of using your subscription.