Why This Matters#
Imagine you have a smart assistant that understands programming code, can write it for you, find bugs, and explain how everything works. That’s exactly what Claude Code does — a tool from Anthropic.
Even if you’ve never programmed before, Claude Code will help you automate routine tasks, create websites, scripts, and applications just by describing what you need in plain words.
What Is Claude Code#
Claude Code is an AI assistant for working with code (programs). You describe a task in plain human language, and it:
- Analyzes your project (all files and folders)
- Writes or edits code
- Runs commands
- Finds and fixes bugs
- Creates Git commits (a system for storing code change history)
In simple terms: you say “add a button to the website,” and Claude Code finds the right file, writes the code, and shows you what changed.
How Claude Code Differs from ChatGPT#
| ChatGPT | Claude Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it works | In a browser (chat window) | In the terminal, VS Code, JetBrains, browser, desktop app |
| Sees your project | No — you manually copy code | Yes — reads all project files entirely |
| Can modify files | No — only shows code | Yes — edits files directly (with your permission) |
| Runs commands | No | Yes — can run tests, install packages, make commits |
| Works with Git | No | Yes — creates branches, commits, helps with conflicts |
Git is a version control system. Think of it as a “time machine” for your code: you can see what changed and revert changes.
Where Claude Code Works#
Claude Code is available in five places — choose whichever is most convenient:
1. Terminal (Command Line)#
A text window where you type commands. The primary and most powerful way to work with Claude Code. Just type claude and start a conversation.
Terminal — a program for entering text commands. On Mac — the “Terminal” app, on Windows — “PowerShell” or “Command Prompt.”
2. VS Code#
VS Code is a popular free code editor from Microsoft. Claude Code integrates directly as an extension (plugin). You see code and Claude’s responses side by side.
3. JetBrains (IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, etc.)#
A family of professional code editors. Claude Code works as a plugin — just like in VS Code.
4. Desktop Application#
A standalone app for macOS and Windows. No code editor or terminal needed — just download and run.
5. Browser (claude.ai/code)#
Works right in your browser. No installation needed — open the website and start. Great for long-running tasks: start it and come back later.
What Claude Code Can Do — Examples#
Here are real tasks you can solve with a single phrase:
| Your request | What Claude Code will do |
|---|---|
what does this project do? |
Analyze all files and explain |
add validation to the registration form |
Find the right file and add field checks |
fix the bug — the form submits empty |
Find the cause and fix it |
write tests for the calculator |
Create a test file |
make a commit describing the changes |
Create a Git commit with a clear message |
Lesson Summary#
✅ Claude Code is an AI assistant that works with your code directly
✅ It sees the entire project, can edit files, and run commands
✅ Unlike regular chatbots, Claude Code works inside your development environment
✅ Available in the terminal, VS Code, JetBrains, desktop app, and browser
✅ A Claude subscription is required (Pro, Max, Teams, or Enterprise)
Next lesson: Installing Claude Code →