Getting Started with Claude Code: A Developer's Guide

Claude Code is changing how developers build software. Instead of switching between your editor and a chat window, you work directly in your terminal — describing what you want to build and watching Claude implement it across your codebase in real time.

This guide walks you through everything you need to get started.

What is Claude Code?

Claude Code is Anthropic's agentic coding tool that lives in your terminal. It can read your entire project, understand your architecture, create and edit files, run commands, and help you build features end-to-end — all through natural language.

It is not a code completion tool or a chatbot with a code window. Claude Code operates as a full development partner that understands your project context and can take multi-step actions across your codebase.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, you will need:

• >Node.js 18+ installed on your machine
• >A Claude Pro, Team, or API account (Claude Code requires authentication)
• >A terminal you are comfortable working in (bash, zsh, PowerShell, etc.)

Installation

Install Claude Code globally via npm:

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

Once installed, navigate to any project directory and run:

claude

You will be prompted to authenticate on your first run. Follow the instructions to connect your Anthropic account.

Your First Session

Once authenticated, Claude Code drops you into an interactive session. You can now give Claude tasks in plain English:

> Create a REST API endpoint for user registration with email validation

Claude will read your project structure, understand what frameworks and patterns you are using, and implement the feature accordingly. It creates files, modifies existing ones, and can even run your tests to verify everything works.

Key Concepts

The CLAUDE.md File

One of the most powerful features is the CLAUDE.md file. Place this in your project root to give Claude persistent context about your project:

• >Your tech stack and conventions
• >File structure and naming patterns
• >Testing preferences
• >Any project-specific rules

Think of it as onboarding documentation for your AI pair programmer. The better your CLAUDE.md, the better Claude Code performs.

Plan Mode

For complex features that touch multiple files, use plan mode:

> /plan Add a complete authentication system with JWT tokens and refresh token rotation

Claude will first outline its approach, show you which files it plans to create or modify, and wait for your approval before making changes. This is invaluable for architectural decisions.

Multi-File Awareness

Unlike code completion tools that only see the current file, Claude Code has full project awareness. It can:

• >Read and understand your entire codebase
• >Follow import chains and understand dependencies
• >Maintain consistency across files when making changes
• >Run terminal commands to test and verify its work

Essential Commands

Inside a Claude Code session, these commands will serve you well:

• >/help — View all available commands
• >/plan — Enter plan mode for complex tasks
• >/clear — Clear conversation history
• >/cost — Check your token usage for the session

Tips for Effective Use

Be specific with context. Instead of "fix the bug," try "the login form submits but the API returns a 401 — check the authentication middleware and token validation logic."

Use iterative development. Start with a basic implementation, test it, then ask Claude to enhance it. This mirrors how experienced developers work and produces better results.

Review everything. Claude Code is remarkably capable, but you are the architect. Always review the changes, understand the approach, and verify the implementation meets your requirements.

Leverage your CLAUDE.md. The more context you provide about your project conventions, the more consistent and high-quality the output will be.

Next Steps

The best way to learn Claude Code is to use it. Pick a feature you have been putting off, open your terminal, and let Claude help you build it.

If you want to learn alongside other developers, join the Claude Community Kenya Discord. We have dedicated channels for Claude Code tips, project showcases, and troubleshooting.

Welcome to the future of development.