> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://cisco-ea52c096.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quick Start

> Install Claude Code, authenticate, and complete your first task in under 5 minutes.

This guide gets you from zero to a working Claude Code session. You'll install the package, sign in with your Anthropic account, and run your first task.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Install Claude Code">
    Install the `@anthropic-ai/claude-code` package globally with npm.

    ```bash theme={null}
    npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
    ```

    This makes the `claude` command available in your terminal. Node.js 18 or later is required.

    <Tip>
      If you see a permissions error on macOS or Linux, your npm global prefix may require `sudo`. Consider using a version manager like [nvm](https://github.com/nvm-sh/nvm) to avoid this.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Sign in to your Anthropic account">
    Authenticate using the `/login` command. Claude Code opens a browser window for the OAuth flow.

    ```bash theme={null}
    claude /login
    ```

    You can sign in with a **Claude Pro or Max subscription** (claude.ai) or with **API usage billing** via the Anthropic Console. Select the method that matches your account when prompted.

    After you authorize in the browser, Claude Code stores your credentials securely and returns you to the terminal.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Navigate to your project">
    Change into the directory you want to work in. Claude Code uses your current working directory as the project root.

    ```bash theme={null}
    cd my-project
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start a session">
    Run `claude` with no arguments to open the interactive REPL.

    ```bash theme={null}
    claude
    ```

    You'll see the Claude Code prompt. You can now type tasks in plain English.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run your first task">
    Type a task at the prompt. Here are a few things to try:

    ```
    > Explain the structure of this codebase
    ```

    ```
    > Find all TODO comments and list them with their file paths
    ```

    ```
    > Fix the failing tests in the auth module
    ```

    Claude Code will read the relevant files, show you what it plans to do, and ask for your confirmation before making any changes.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Example session

Here is what a typical first interaction looks like:

```
$ claude

Claude Code — type a task or /help for commands

> What does the main entry point do?

I'll read the main entry point file for you.

[Reading src/main.ts...]

The main entry point sets up the CLI using Commander.js. It:
- Parses flags like --model, --verbose, and --print
- Initializes authentication and settings
- Launches the interactive REPL or processes a one-shot prompt

> Add a --version flag that prints the package version

I'll add a --version flag to src/main.ts.

[Edit src/main.ts]
  + program.version(pkg.version, '-v, --version', 'Print version number')

Apply this change? [y/n] y

Done. Run `claude --version` to test it.
```

## Useful commands

Once you're in a session, these slash commands are available:

| Command | What it does |
| - | - |
| `/help` | List all available commands |
| `/login` | Switch Anthropic accounts |
| `/doctor` | Check your installation and configuration |
| `/cost` | Show token usage and cost for this session |
| `/compact` | Compress the conversation to free up context |
| `/commit` | Create a git commit for your current changes |
| `/review` | Run a code review on the current diff |
| `/exit` | End the session |

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Installation" icon="download" href="/installation">
    System requirements, platform notes, and troubleshooting
  </Card>

  <Card title="How it works" icon="circle-info" href="/concepts/how-it-works">
    The tool system, permission model, and agent loop
  </Card>

  <Card title="Git workflows" icon="code-branch" href="/guides/git-workflows">
    Use Claude Code to commit, review, and manage PRs
  </Card>

  <Card title="MCP integrations" icon="plug" href="/guides/mcp-integrations">
    Connect Claude Code to external tools and data sources
  </Card>
</CardGroup>


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