Chapter 01 · CLI
Installing, authenticating and updating Claude Code
Claude Code is a command-line tool that brings Claude into your terminal and project. A correct install, signing in to the intended account and understanding the billing paths (subscription vs API vs cloud provider) are the foundation for everything else.
Video
Steps
- Install following the official quickstart for your operating system, and keep the version current with the built-in update command.
- Authenticate through the browser to the intended Claude account the first time. Check whether the account works through a subscription or an API key, because the cost model differs.
- If you work in an organization or cloud, review the advanced paths: Bedrock, Vertex or Foundry, per the authentication and setup pages.
- Run a first session in an empty folder and confirm the tool responds before granting it access to a real project.
Common pitfall: Installing from an unofficial source or authenticating the wrong account are mistakes that are hard to notice later; verify the domain and account at install time.
Hands-on exercise: Install (or update) Claude Code, sign in to the intended account and run a simple question in an empty folder. Record which billing path your account uses.
Filmed demo · Video is added in the media phase
Recap
Comprehension check
What do you check when installing Claude Code for the first time?
Recap
- Install only from the official source
- Authenticate the intended account before project access
- Subscription, API and cloud provider are different billing paths