Claude Code - A terminal-based coding assistant leveraging natural language commands to enhance developer productivity.

## Definition of Claude Code Claude Code is an agent-based coding tool developed by Anthropic. It operates in the terminal, understands codebases, and uses natural language commands to assist developers in coding more efficiently. It integrates directly with development environments without requiring additional servers or complex configurations. ## Key Features of Claude Code Claude Code offers several key features, including: - Editing files and fixing errors in the codebase. - Answering questions about code architecture and logic. - Executing and fixing tests, syntax checks, and other commands. - Searching git history, resolving merge conflicts, and creating commits and pull requests. These features make it particularly useful for test-driven development (TDD), debugging complex issues, and large-scale refactoring. ## System Requirements for Claude Code To use Claude Code, the following system requirements must be met: - Operating Systems: macOS 10.15+, Ubuntu 20.04+/Debian 10+, or Windows (via WSL). - Hardware: At least 4GB of RAM. - Software: Node.js 18+, git 2.23+ (optional), and an internet connection. - Region: Available only in supported countries. ## Installation of Claude Code Claude Code can be installed using the command `npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code`. It is recommended not to use `sudo` during installation to avoid permission issues. If permission errors occur, users should refer to the configuration section for guidance. ## Cost of Using Claude Code The cost of using Claude Code varies based on usage. Typical daily costs range from $5-$10 per developer. During intensive use, costs can exceed $100 per hour. Factors influencing cost include codebase size, query complexity, the number of files searched or modified, conversation history length, and compression frequency. ## Security and Privacy in Claude Code Claude Code incorporates several security and privacy measures: - Direct connection to Anthropic's API without intermediate servers. - Terminal-based operations maintain awareness of project structures. - A tiered permission system: read-only (no approval needed), Bash commands, and file modifications (require approval). - Protection against prompt injection through context-aware analysis, input sanitization, and command blacklisting. - Network access is required for api.anthropic.com, statsig.anthropic.com, and sentry.io. ## Third-Party API Support in Claude Code Claude Code supports integration with Amazon Bedrock and Google Vertex AI: - Amazon Bedrock: Set `CLAUDE_CODE_USE_BEDROCK=1` and optionally configure the model and URL. AWS credentials are required. - Google Vertex AI: Set `CLAUDE_CODE_USE_VERTEX=1` with the region as `us-east5`. GCP credentials are required. Both integrations allow disabling prompt caching by setting `DISABLE_PROMPT_CACHING=1`. ## CLI and Slash Commands in Claude Code Claude Code provides various CLI and slash commands: - CLI Commands: - `claude`: Starts an interactive REPL. - `claude "query"`: Starts REPL with an initial prompt. - `claude -p "query"`: Executes a one-time query and exits. - `cat file | claude -p "query"`: Processes piped content. - `claude config`: Manages configuration settings. - `claude update`: Updates to the latest version. - Slash Commands: - `/bug`: Reports a bug. - `/clear`: Clears conversation history. - `/compact`: Compresses the conversation. - `/config`: Views or modifies configuration. - `/cost`: Displays token usage. - `/doctor`: Checks installation health. - `/help`: Provides usage help. - `/init`: Initializes a project with a CLAUDE.md guide. - `/login`: Switches Anthropic accounts. - `/logout`: Logs out. - `/pr_comments`: Views pull request comments. - `/review`: Requests code reviews. - `/terminal-setup`: Installs Shift+Enter keybindings (iTerm2, VSCode). - `/vim`: Enters vim mode. ### Citation sources: - [Claude Code](https://docs.anthropic.com/en/docs/agents-and-tools/claude-code/overview) - Official URL Updated: 2025-03-26