Install and Configure Claude Code

Get Claude Code installed and running inside VS Code · the setup you'll use for every build in SkillTree. Mac, Windows, or Linux. No technical background needed.

Claude Code is the console you run your business from. Before you can install a single skill from the map or stand up a command center, you need it on your machine and authenticated. This takes about fifteen minutes.

The recommended setup: Claude Code inside VS Code

You can run Claude Code in your system terminal, but the setup we recommend is as a plugin inside VS Code. You get a proper editor alongside the Claude Code panel · files, code, and Claude all in one view, no switching windows.

Step 1 · Install VS Code (if you don't have it already)

Download free from code.visualstudio.com. Works on Mac, Windows, and Linux.

Step 2 · Install the Claude Code extension

1. Open VS Code
2. Click the Extensions icon in the left sidebar (or press Cmd+Shift+X on Mac, Ctrl+Shift+X on Windows)
3. Search "Claude Code"
4. Click Install
5. Once installed, click the Claude Code icon in your sidebar to open the panel
6. Sign in with your Anthropic account when prompted

Why VS Code over the terminal:

• Your files and the Claude Code panel sit side by side · no window switching
• Easier to review diffs, edit files, and manage your project while Claude works
• The interface we'll assume for every build in SkillTree

You can still use the terminal if you prefer · every command works identically. VS Code is just the cleaner starting point.

Before you start

You need:

• A paid Anthropic account. Claude Pro ($20/month) is enough to get going. Claude Max ($100–200/month) if you're planning heavy daily use.
• VS Code installed (recommended) or a terminal. On Mac the terminal is the Terminal app (Spotlight search). On Windows, use PowerShell.

That's it. No Node.js, no coding background, nothing else.

Install Claude Code

The native installer is the way to go · one command, no dependencies, auto-updates itself.

Mac or Linux · open your terminal and run:

curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash

Windows · open PowerShell and run:

irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex

The installer downloads everything, sets it up, and adds claude to your system path. Close your terminal and open a new one after it finishes.

npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

Verify it's installed

In a new terminal window, run:

claude --version

You should see a version number. If you get "command not found", close the terminal completely and open a fresh one.

Authenticate

Run:

claude

First time, this opens your browser and asks you to sign into your Anthropic account. Follow the prompts. Once signed in, return to the terminal · it'll be authenticated automatically. Your credentials are stored locally, so you won't do this again.

Confirm it's working

Once authenticated, you'll see the Claude Code prompt. Type:

Hey Claude, what can you do?

If it responds, you're in. That's Claude Code running on your machine.

Common errors and fixes

"Command not found" after install

Close the terminal completely and open a new window. The PATH update doesn't apply until you restart the terminal.

Browser didn't open for authentication

Run claude again. If it still doesn't open, copy the URL it prints to the terminal and paste it manually into your browser.

Permission errors on Mac

Do not use sudo. The most common fix is to close and reopen the terminal, then run the install command again.

Windows: "execution policy" error in PowerShell

Run this first: Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser, then try the install command again.