How to Get Started with Claude Code

Claude Code is an AI assistant that works inside a folder on your computer. Instead of only answering in a chat box, it can read your files, write code, run it, and fix what breaks. You need a paid Claude plan to use it, and Pro is the cheapest one that includes it.

In 2026 I stopped using ChatGPT and Claude chat. Now I do everything in Claude Code: coding, making social media content, and working with the data files on my laptop. If you found this from my carousel and commented "agents", this is the guide. It is written for people who still use ChatGPT every day and want to start.

What is Claude Code, and how is it different from ChatGPT?

Chat tools live in a browser tab. You paste things in, and they paste text back. Claude Code lives in a folder on your laptop, so it works on your real files instead of copies you paste into a chat. Anthropic's Claude Code docs describe it as an agentic tool that reads your files, edits them and runs commands.

	ChatGPT (chat)	Claude Code
Where it works	In a browser tab or app, on what you paste or upload	In a folder on your laptop
Your files	You upload copies	Reads the files in your project folder
Running code	Shows code you copy out, or runs some of it in a sandbox	Runs the code on your laptop and fixes errors it hits
Memory between sessions	Chat history	Sessions saved under the project folder

That one change is why I moved over. Here is what I notice in daily use:

It works on files on my laptop. I point it at a folder and it reads what is in there.
It runs and executes code. It does not just show me a script. It runs the script.
It solves problems while it writes code. When something breaks, it reads the error and tries again.
It shows its context. I can see what it is working with.
It has the best memory of any tool I have used. Sessions stay grouped under the project folder, so I can come back to them later.

That is why I call it an AI agent without having to code one.

What do you need before you start?

You need a Pro account

Claude Code is not part of the free plan. You need a paid Claude account to use it, and Pro is the cheapest plan that includes it. The Max plan includes it too. Anthropic's docs also say the desktop app needs a paid subscription. Check the official plan details before you pay.

You also need a laptop running Windows or macOS. I tested this in October 2026 on Windows 11, so my screenshots are from Windows. The download page has a Mac version too.

How do you download and install Claude Code?

1. Search for it. Google "claude code desktop" and open the result called "Download Claude" on claude.com.

Google results for claude code desktop, with the Download Claude link from claude.com highlighted — Search for claude code desktop and open the Download Claude result.

2. Click download. Pick the version for your computer. "Download for Windows" fits most Windows laptops, "Windows (arm64)" is for ARM-based ones, and Mac users get the macOS download.

The Download Claude page with the Download for Windows button under the headline — The Download Claude page. I clicked Download for Windows.

3. Run the installer. Open the file from your Downloads folder (mine is called Claude Setup) and let it install.

Windows Downloads folder with the Claude Setup installer selected — The installer, sitting in the Downloads folder.

4. Sign in. Open the app and sign in with your Pro account. I left the sign-in out of my recording because it is just the usual Claude login.

The whole download, from search to installer.

How do you start your first project?

Claude Code lives inside the Claude desktop app, in its own Code tab. Anthropic's desktop quickstart covers the same setup.

1. Switch to the Code tab. At the top left, next to Search, there are two icons. Hover over the second one and it says Code.

Top left of the Claude app with the Code toggle highlighted next to the Search box — The Code toggle, top left.

2. Choose Local. Local means Claude Code works on this laptop. The menu also lists Cloud, Remote Control, WSL and SSH. You can ignore those for now.

Environment menu in the Code tab listing Local, Cloud, Remote Control, WSL and SSH — Pick Local to work on your own laptop.

3. Pick a folder. Click "Open folder", then make a new one. I called mine test123 and put it on my Desktop. Everything Claude Code does will happen inside this folder.

Windows folder picker with a new folder being named test123 on the Desktop — A new folder called test123 on my Desktop.

4. Trust the workspace. A box asks whether you trust the folder. It warns that Claude Code may read, write, or execute files in it. For a new empty folder that is fine. Only say yes to folders you know.

Trust this workspace dialog with the Trust workspace button — The trust prompt. Only trust folders you know.

From the Code tab to a trusted project folder.

What does a first session look like?

A session is one conversation about one task, saved under your project folder. I ran two.

Session 1: a 2 line poem. I typed "write me a 2 line poem on the sun". Next to the box you can set the model and an effort slider that runs from Faster to Smarter. I used Sonnet 5.5 and set effort to Medium. The answer came back in about five seconds.

Prompt box with the text write me a 2 line poem on the sun and the effort slider open — The effort slider sits next to the prompt box.

Model menu listing Opus 5.5, Sonnet 5.5, Fable 5.1 and Haiku 4.5 — The model menu. I went with Sonnet 5.5.

Claude Code's two line poem about the sun — The two line poem it wrote.

Session 2: Python code to read a PDF. I started a new session and typed "give me python code to read pdf". It gave me a short script using the pypdf library, with the install command and notes on where it falls short, such as scanned PDFs that need OCR.

Claude Code's answer with a pip install command, a pypdf script and usage notes — Session two: a PDF reading script with notes.

Both sessions now sit under test123 in the sidebar, so I can reopen either one later.

Sidebar group test123 listing the sessions Python PDF reading code and Sun poem — Both sessions, saved under the project folder.

How do you run a first task on your own files?

This is the part that a chat box cannot do the same way.

1. Copy one file you really work with into your project folder. A spreadsheet, a CSV export or a PDF works well. Use a copy, not your only copy.

2. Start a new session and ask for something specific. For example:

Look at sales.csv in this folder. Tell me what columns it has, flag anything that looks wrong or missing, and give me a summary table of totals by month. Do not change the original file.

3. Watch what it does. Expect it to open the file, write a small script to analyse it, run the script, and show you the result. If the script errors, it reads the error and fixes it. That is the "solves problems while it writes code" part.

4. Ask a follow-up in the same session. Try "Now make a chart" or "Save this summary as summary.csv". The session remembers the file, so you do not need to explain it again.

Want a PDF version? Drop a PDF into the folder and ask it to run the code from session two on it and tell you what the document says.

What should you expect?

Before you point it at real files

It can read, change and run files in the folder you trust. Start with a test folder or with copies.
Your usage counts against your plan's limits. A bigger model and a higher effort setting use it up faster.
Check its work. It can be wrong, like any AI, so read the result before you rely on it.
It works in steps. You describe a task and it carries it through, instead of giving one reply per message.

FAQ

Do I need to know how to code to use Claude Code?

No. You describe the task in plain words and it writes and runs the code. I use it for coding, but the same window handles my social media content and data files.

Is Claude Code free?

No. You need a paid Claude plan, and Pro is the cheapest one that includes it. The Max plan includes it too.

What is the difference between Claude Code and ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is a chat window: you paste or upload things and it answers. Claude Code works inside a folder on your laptop, reads your files, runs code and fixes the errors it hits. If your work is quick questions and writing, a chat is enough. If it involves files, data or code on your laptop, Claude Code fits better. Give each the same task and compare.

Does Claude Code work on a Mac?

Yes. The download page has a macOS version. My screenshots are from Windows 11.

Can I keep using ChatGPT?

Of course. I stopped, but nothing forces you to. Give Claude Code one task you would normally give ChatGPT and compare the two.

What should you do first?

Make a test folder, run the poem prompt, then give it a copy of one of your own files.