Tech • IA • Crypto
Installing Claude Code
TL;DR
Cloud Code offers flexible installation and usage across terminals, IDEs, desktop apps, and the web, with varying capabilities depending on platform.
KEY POINTS
Multi-platform installation options
Cloud Code can be installed across macOS, Linux, WSL, and Windows using command-line tools such as curl, PowerShell, or package managers like Homebrew and winget. While package managers simplify setup, they lack automatic update support, making direct installation methods more suitable for users who want the latest features continuously.
Terminal-first experience with fastest updates
Running Cloud Code directly in the terminal provides the most up-to-date experience, as new features are released there first. After installation, users initialize it within a project directory, where it gains access to all files and subfolders. Setup includes selecting preferences like themes and authentication via account tiers or an API key.
Integration with Visual Studio Code
In Visual Studio Code, users can install the official Anthropic extension via the extensions marketplace. After installation and a restart, Cloud Code can be accessed through the command palette or interface shortcuts. It can also be configured to run purely in the terminal within VS Code for those who prefer a minimal UI.
Support for JetBrains IDEs
JetBrains IDEs support Cloud Code through a dedicated plugin available in the marketplace. Once installed and the IDE is restarted, users gain access to a side panel that integrates the tool’s terminal-driven workflow directly into the development environment.
Desktop application for background workflows
The Cloud Desktop app enables users to run Cloud Code alongside other tasks. It includes a dedicated “code” mode with a familiar interface, while allowing operations such as folder-specific work, permission management, and cloud-based execution. This setup is suited for multitasking and longer-running processes.
Web-based access with GitHub limitation
A browser-based version is available via claude.ai/code, offering similar functionality to the desktop app. However, it is limited to GitHub repositories, making it best suited for remote work, collaboration, or managing multiple sessions without local setup.
Flexible workflows across environments
The platform supports a range of workflows, from tightly integrated IDE experiences to lightweight terminal usage. While the core functionality remains consistent, each interface emphasizes different strengths, such as speed, convenience, or remote accessibility.
CONCLUSION
Cloud Code’s broad platform support allows developers to tailor their workflow, with the terminal offering cutting-edge features while IDE, desktop, and web options prioritize integration and accessibility.
Full transcript
Cloud Code is simple to install whether you want to use it in your terminal, the web, or your IDE. If you're on Mac OS, Linux, or WSL, use this curl command to install it in one go. If you prefer to use Homebrew, you can also use brew install to install it. But note that this doesn't have auto update capabilities. For Windows, there's also a couple ways. In PowerShell, use the invoke rest method command. If you're on cmd, you can also use this curl command. We also have a winget command as well if you'd prefer, but just like homebrew, it won't auto update. Now go to your project directory and run claude. You will go through some initial instructions like choosing your color theme and signing in with your claude account, which could be the pro, max, or enterprise. Or you can use an API key. If your organization has a cloud enterprise account, be sure to select that option. Whatever directory you decide to run cloud in, it will have access to that directory in all of its subfolders. In Visual Studio Code, open up your extensions panel and search for cloud code. You will see the extension by anthropic. Make sure it has the blue check and hit install. After installation, you might need to restart VS Code. After that, you can open up the control palette with control or command and shift and P and search Claude Code. Open a new tab. You can also click on the Claw logo if you see it when a file is open. You can also opt out of the UI and just use the terminal experience directly in your settings file. For Jet Brains IDEs, you can install the Cloud Code plugin from the Jetrains marketplace. Once you install, restart your IDE. And when you reopen, you'll see the Cloud logo. This will open up a pane where you can see the terminal experience. And this will work alongside you. On Cloud Desktop, you can also run Cloud Code. After you installed Claude desktop and signed in, you will see a toggle at the top that says code. The look and feel is similar to Cloud Chat side of things, but allows you to work in a specific folder, change permissions, and even work in a cloud environment. On the web, you can access Cloud Code by going to cloud.ai/code. This works very similar to the desktop app. However, you're restricted to GitHub repositories only. If you want to constantly keep up to date with everything, the terminal is the best bet. Features ship there the fastest. For the most part, you'll have extremely similar experiences with the IDE integrations if you like cloud code to feel more intertwined with your favorite code editor. Desktop is great for letting Claude run in the background while you run other tasks. Cloud Code on the web is a great option if you want to remotely work on a project through a GitHub repository or have multiple sessions work in parallel. However you want to use cloud code, it's up to you.