Step 1: Install Node.js

Node.js is the foundation that Claude Code runs on. Don't worry about what it does — just install it.

Download Node.js

Go to nodejs.org and download the LTS version (Long Term Support).

  1. Click the big green LTS button
  2. Run the downloaded installer
  3. Click "Next" through all the prompts (default settings are fine)
  4. Restart your terminal after installation

Verify Installation

Open your terminal and run:

$ node --version

You should see something like v20.10.0 or higher.

Step 2: Install Claude Code

Run this command in your terminal:

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

This installs Claude Code globally on your computer.

Step 3: Authenticate

Connect Claude Code to your Anthropic account:

$ claude

This will open a browser window. Log in with your Claude account (the same one you use for claude.ai).

✅ You're Ready!

Once authenticated, you're all set to start vibe coding. In the next lesson, you'll run your first command.