Claude Code Masterclass

Claude Code requires Node.js 18+ and can be installed globally via npm. The setup process includes authentication with your Anthropic account.

After installation, you'll configure your preferences including model selection, context window settings, and safety guardrails.

# Install Claude Code globally
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

# Authenticate (opens browser)
claude auth login

# Initialize in your project
cd your-project
claude init

# Start coding
claude

Claude Code operates through natural language commands. You can ask it to read files, make edits, run tests, and commit changes.

The key insight is that Claude Code maintains context - it remembers your previous requests and understands your project structure.

Common workflows include: code review, bug fixing, refactoring, adding features, and documentation.

# Ask Claude to understand your codebase
> Explain the architecture of this project

# Make targeted changes
> Add input validation to the user registration form

# Run and fix tests
> Run the test suite and fix any failing tests

# Commit changes
> Commit these changes with a descriptive message

Context is everything in Claude Code. The tool reads your files, understands your project structure, and uses this information to make intelligent decisions.

You can explicitly add context with @file mentions, or let Claude Code discover relevant files automatically.

Managing context effectively is crucial for getting good results - too little context leads to generic answers, too much can cause confusion.

Agentic coding means Claude Code can plan and execute multi-step tasks autonomously. Instead of step-by-step instructions, you describe the outcome.

For example: 'Add a dark mode toggle to the settings page' triggers Claude to find relevant files, understand existing patterns, implement the feature, and test it.

Trust but verify: always review changes before committing, especially for complex tasks.

Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers extend Claude Code's capabilities. Connect to databases, APIs, and external tools.

Common integrations include: PostgreSQL for database queries, GitHub for repository operations, and Slack for notifications.

You can build custom MCP servers for proprietary systems - see our Building MCP Servers guide.

Claude Code works well in team settings. Share configurations, establish coding standards, and maintain consistent AI-assisted workflows.

Create a CLAUDE.md file in your repository to give Claude Code project-specific context that all team members benefit from.

Consider establishing guidelines for when to use AI assistance and when to write code manually.

Start with clear, specific requests. 'Fix the bug' is worse than 'Fix the null pointer exception in user.ts line 42'.

Use Claude Code for exploration: 'Explain how authentication works in this codebase' is a great way to onboard.

Review all changes. Claude Code is powerful but not perfect - human review remains essential.

Iterate quickly. If the first result isn't right, provide feedback and refine.