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Chapter 0: Getting Started

Machine Setup

setup5 min

Machine Setup

Before we install Claude Code, let's make sure your machine is ready. This section covers the prerequisites — if you already have Node.js 18+ installed, skip to the next section.

✅Tip

Already have Node.js 18 or later? Run node --version in your terminal. If you see v18 or higher, skip to the next section.

What is a terminal?

A terminal (also called command line or shell) is a text interface to your computer. Instead of clicking icons, you type commands. Claude Code runs entirely in the terminal.

How to open it:

  • macOS: Press Cmd + Space, type "Terminal", press Enter
  • Windows: Press Win + R, type "cmd", press Enter (or search for "PowerShell")
  • Linux: Press Ctrl + Alt + T

You'll see a blinking cursor waiting for your input. That's it — you're in.

What is Node.js?

Node.js lets you run JavaScript outside a web browser. Claude Code is built with it, and the todo app we'll build in this course uses it too. You need Node.js version 18 or later.

Install Node.js

  1. Go to https://nodejs.org
  2. Download the LTS version (the big green button)
  3. Run the installer — accept the defaults
  4. Restart your terminal after installation
⚠️Warning

On macOS, use the official installer from nodejs.org. Avoid installing via Homebrew if you're a beginner — it can cause PATH issues that are confusing to debug.

Verify it worked

Open a new terminal window and run:

Terminal
$node --version
v20.11.0
Terminal
$npm --version
10.2.4

If you see version numbers (yours may differ), you're good. If you see "command not found," try restarting your terminal or reinstalling.

What is npm?

npm (Node Package Manager) comes bundled with Node.js. It's the tool we'll use to install Claude Code and other packages. Think of it as an app store for developer tools — you type npm install [package-name] and it downloads and sets it up for you.

You're all set. Let's install Claude Code.

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