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Installation and Configuration

Section Overview

A step-by-step guide to setting up Claude Code for professional use, focusing on ease of use for non-technical users.

Prerequisites

  • Command line comfort
  • Claude API key
  • VS Code (recommended)

Your AI-Ready Text Editor: VS Code

Visual Studio Code Logo

Think of VS Code as your mission control for AI work. Unlike basic text editors, VS Code understands code, can work with AI tools, and makes file management simple.

Why VS Code for AI Work? - AI tools can read and write VS Code files directly - Built-in terminal means everything in one place - Extensions add AI-specific capabilities - Free, reliable, and constantly updated

Installing VS Code

For All Platforms: 1. Visit code.visualstudio.com 2. Click the big "Download" button (it detects your operating system) 3. Run the installer with default settings 4. Launch VS Code when installation completes

Essential Extensions for AI Work

Extensions are like apps for VS Code. Install these immediately:

To Install Extensions: 1. Open VS Code 2. Click the Extensions icon (looks like four squares) in the left sidebar 3. Search for each extension below 4. Click "Install" for each one

Must-Have Extensions:

  1. Python (by Microsoft)
  2. Enables Python script editing and execution

  3. Essential for AI tool integrations

  4. Markdown All in One (by Yu Zhang)

  5. Makes writing and editing markdown files simple

  6. Live preview of formatted text

  7. GitLens (by GitKraken)

  8. Shows file history and changes

  9. Helps track your project evolution

  10. YAML (by Red Hat)

  11. Support for YAML configuration files
  12. Essential for agent and workflow configurations

VS Code First Steps

After installing extensions: 1. Create a new file (Ctrl+N or Cmd+N) 2. Save it as "test.md" (this creates a markdown file) 3. Type some text with # Heading and **bold text** 4. Right-click and select "Open Preview" to see formatted version

Congratulations! You've created your first AI-ready document.

Command Line Setup: Your Direct Computer Interface

The command line is like texting with your computer instead of using a mouse. AI tools often work through command-line interfaces, so basic comfort here unlocks advanced capabilities.

Don't Panic! You'll only need 4-5 basic commands. Think of it like learning to drive - intimidating at first, but quickly becomes second nature.

Windows Setup: WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux)

WSL gives Windows users access to Linux-style commands that most AI tools expect.

Step-by-Step Installation:

  1. Open PowerShell as Administrator:
  2. Press Windows + X
  3. Select "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" or "Terminal (Admin)"

  4. Click "Yes" when prompted

  5. Install WSL: 

    wsl --install

  6. Restart your computer when prompted

  7. Complete Setup:

  8. After restart, Ubuntu will automatically open
  9. Create a username (use lowercase, no spaces)

  10. Create a password (you won't see characters as you type - this is normal!)

  11. Install Windows Terminal (Better Interface):

  12. Open Microsoft Store
  13. Search for "Windows Terminal"
  14. Install the official Microsoft app
  15. Set as your default terminal application

Common WSL Issues & Solutions

Problem: "WSL command not found" Solution: Update Windows to the latest version first

Problem: Installation hangs or fails Solution: Try wsl --install -d Ubuntu for specific distribution

Problem: Can't remember Ubuntu password Solution: You can reset it through PowerShell with wsl --user root

Installation Steps

  1. Verify system requirements
  2. Install Claude Code CLI
  3. Configure authentication
  4. Test initial setup

Configuration Best Practices

  • Secure API key management
  • Setting up .clauderc
  • Configuring default behaviors

Environment Setup

  • Choosing the right workspace
  • Organizing your Claude Code projects
  • Managing permissions and access