Claude Code

Claude Code is Anthropic's agentic coding tool. Official docs say it reads your codebase, edits files, runs commands, and hooks into the rest of the toolchain. It is no longer "just a CLI": the same product now ships in the terminal, VS Code, JetBrains, a desktop app, the browser, and the Claude mobile apps. Most surfaces need a Claude subscription or an Anthropic Console account. The terminal CLI and VS Code also accept third-party providers.

Key Features

• Repo-native loop: Explore, edit, run tests, and commit from one agent session.
• Four official surfaces: Native install or Homebrew/WinGet for the CLI; IDE extensions; Desktop with git-isolated parallel sessions; web/cloud with --cloud and --teleport.
• Project memory: CLAUDE.md, auto memory, skills, subagents, hooks, plugins, and MCP live under .claude/ and ~/.claude/.
• Remote and mobile: Continue a local session from the phone or browser with Remote Control. Web sessions can open a GitHub repo and return a PR.
• Teams of agents: Subagents, agent view, worktrees, ultrareview, GitHub Actions, and scheduled routines are first-party, not unofficial add-ons.

Use Cases

• Day-to-day repo work in a local checkout when you want the model to run the tools you already have.
• PR review and security scans with official plugins and /code-review ultra.
• Cloud handoff when you start on a laptop and finish from the phone.

Pricing

Claude Code is bundled with Claude consumer and Console plans, not sold as a separate SKU on the public pricing page (accessed 2026-08-17). That page lists Free plus paid seats whose visible prices include $17, $20, $100, and $200 depending on plan and billing. Use claude.com/pricing and the in-product upgrade screen for the live number. API/Console usage is metered separately if you point the CLI at an API key or a third-party provider.

Getting Started

1. Install the CLI with curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash on macOS/Linux/WSL, or the PowerShell/CMD scripts on Windows. Homebrew (brew install --cask claude-code) and winget install Anthropic.ClaudeCode also work but do not auto-update.
2. cd into a repo and start Claude Code. Prefer a Claude login unless you have a Console or third-party setup.
3. Add a CLAUDE.md and only then turn on Agent-style permissions.
4. Read the overview before you enable computer use or cloud routines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it only a terminal tool?

No. Docs list terminal, IDE, desktop, browser, and mobile. The CLI is still the full-featured local surface.

Do I need Claude Pro?

Most surfaces need a Claude subscription or Console. Confirm the current plan matrix on claude.com/pricing.

How is it different from Cursor?

Cursor is an editor. Claude Code is Anthropic's agent that can sit in the terminal, an IDE, or the cloud and operate your repo.

Alternatives

• Codex CLI: OpenAI's terminal agent, billed through ChatGPT plans.
• Cursor: Editor-native agent if you do not want a separate CLI.
• Continue: Open-source VS Code/JetBrains agent after the Cursor acquisition.

Tips

1. Use native install if you want background updates. Homebrew and WinGet need a manual upgrade.
2. Keep hooks and MCP in .claude/ so the team shares the same permissions.
3. Recheck pricing whenever Anthropic ships a new Max or Team SKU.

Conclusion

Claude Code is the Anthropic-native way to let a model edit a real repository across CLI, IDE, desktop, and web. Start from the official overview, install the CLI, and treat skills, hooks, and cloud handoff as part of the product, not extras.