Install Claude Code CLI

Claude Code is your development partner. Not a tool that does work for you—a collaborator that reasons alongside you.

The Partnership Model

Before installation, understand what you're getting:

Claude Code excels at:

• Writing new code and features
• Refactoring existing code
• Understanding unfamiliar codebases
• Creating and debugging tests
• Multi-file coordinated changes

You excel at:

• Creative direction and judgment
• Domain expertise
• Quality standards
• Deciding what to build

This complementarity is the point. Neither works as well alone.

Installation

Open WezTerm and run:

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

Or if you prefer npx (no global install):

npx @anthropic-ai/claude-code

Authentication

You have two options for authenticating Claude Code:

Option 1: Claude Max Plan (Recommended)

The Claude Max plan includes Claude Code usage in your subscription—no API key needed, no usage tracking.

1. Subscribe to Claude Max at claude.ai/pricing
2. Run claude in your terminal
3. Select "Claude.ai account" when prompted
4. Authenticate through your browser

This is the simplest path. Your subscription covers unlimited Claude Code usage.

For details: Using Claude Code with your Pro or Max plan

Option 2: API Key

If you prefer pay-as-you-go or need API access for other tools:

1. Get an API key at console.anthropic.com
2. Run claude auth
3. Enter your API key when prompted

The key is stored securely in your system keychain.

First Session

Navigate to any project directory and start Claude Code:

cd ~/your-project
claude

Claude Code will:

1. Scan the directory structure
2. Read configuration files (package.json, etc.)
3. Build an understanding of your codebase

Try a simple prompt:

What is this project?

Claude Code will analyze the codebase and explain what it finds.

Essential Commands

Inside a Claude Code session:

Command	Purpose
/help	Show all commands
/clear	Clear conversation history
/status	Show current context
/compact	Summarize and reduce context

These are your escape hatches and orientation tools.

The Calibration Process

Trust is earned. Start with low-risk tasks:

1. Read operations: "Explain how authentication works in this codebase"
2. Small changes: "Add a console.log to debug this function"
3. Larger changes: "Refactor this module to use the new pattern"

Watch how Claude Code works. Verify its outputs. Over time, you'll know when to trust fully and when to verify carefully.

Philosophy Note

Claude Code embodies Gelassenheit—"releasement." Neither rejection of AI nor submission to it. Full engagement without capture.

The craftsman uses the hammer; the hammer does not use him.

Next Step

With Claude Code installed, you're ready to configure WezTerm. And here's where it gets interesting: you'll use Claude Code to do the configuration.

Meta-learning begins.

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Complete the praxis exercise to cement your first Claude Code session.