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How to Install Claude Code

Last updated: February 22, 2026

What Is Claude Code?

Claude Code is an AI coding assistant that runs in your terminal. You give it instructions (like the prompts SiteKit generates), and it writes code, creates files, and builds your project. It’s made by Anthropic, the company behind Claude.

Step 1: Install Node.js

Claude Code requires Node.js 18 or later. Check if you have it:

node --version

If you see a version number (v18 or higher), you’re good. If not:

  • macOS: brew install node (or download from nodejs.org)
  • Windows: Download from nodejs.org and run the installer
  • Linux: Use your package manager, e.g., sudo apt install nodejs npm

Step 2: Install Claude Code

Run this command in your terminal:

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

Verify it installed:

claude --version

For the latest installation instructions, check the official Claude Code documentation. The install method may change over time.

Step 3: Sign In

The first time you run Claude Code, it will ask you to sign in:

claude

Follow the prompts to authenticate. You can use:

  • A Claude account (includes some free usage)
  • An Anthropic API key (for pay-as-you-go usage)

Using Claude Code with SiteKit Prompts

Once installed, here’s the typical workflow:

  1. Navigate to your project directory:
cd your-project-folder
  1. Start Claude Code:
claude
  1. Give it the prompt. You can either:
    • Paste the prompt directly into the Claude Code session
    • Reference the file if you saved it in the project directory:
Read stage-1-scaffold.md and follow all the instructions in it to build this project.
  1. Let Claude work through the instructions. It will create files, install dependencies, and set up your project.

Tip: Claude Code works best when you let it run through the entire prompt without interrupting. If you need to make changes, wait until it finishes, then ask for adjustments.

Troubleshooting

“command not found: claude” Make sure npm’s global bin directory is in your PATH. Try closing and reopening your terminal, or run npx @anthropic-ai/claude-code.

Permission errors on install On macOS/Linux, you might need to fix npm permissions. See the npm docs on fixing permissions.

Claude is slow or timing out Large prompts (like Stage 1) involve a lot of file creation. Give it a few minutes. If it gets stuck, you can always restart the session and ask it to continue where it left off.