What is Claude Code?
Claude Code is an agentic coding tool from Anthropic that reads your codebase, edits files, runs commands and opens pull requests for developers. It started as a command-line tool in early 2025 and now also runs as VS Code and JetBrains extensions, in the browser at claude.ai/code, in the Claude desktop and mobile apps, in Slack and through GitHub Actions. It is powered by Anthropic's Claude models.
Instead of suggesting one line at a time, Claude Code takes a task described in plain language, searches the repository to understand how it fits together, makes changes across many files, runs your tests and keeps going when something fails. It asks for permission before running commands or editing files, and you can tune those permissions per project. Typical uses are fixing bugs, writing tests, multi-file refactors and migrations, explaining unfamiliar code and preparing pull requests.
Main Features
- Search a repository on its own to find the files relevant to a task.
- Edit many files in one pass and show diffs for review.
- Run tests, linters and build commands, then fix what breaks.
- Ask for permission before commands or edits, with per-project rules.
- Create commits and open pull requests through Git and GitHub.
- Work from the terminal, VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, the web, desktop or Slack.
- Extend behavior with project instructions, hooks, custom commands and MCP servers.
How to Get Started with Claude Code
- Subscribe to Claude Pro, Max, Team or Enterprise, or set up an Anthropic API account.
- Install the CLI with the official installer or add the VS Code or JetBrains extension.
- Open your project folder, run claude and sign in with your account.
- Describe a task, such as fixing a failing test, and review the changes it proposes.
Claude Code Pricing
Claude Code is not part of the Free plan. It is included with Claude Pro at $17 per month billed annually or $20 monthly, and with Max from $100 per month for 5x or 20x more usage. Team seats cost $25 per month ($20 annually) and Enterprise starts at $20 per seat plus usage; it can also be billed per token through the Anthropic API.
Who Should Use It?
- Software engineers who want an agent to handle bug fixes, tests and refactors.
- Solo developers and founders shipping features without a large team.
- Teams automating code review and maintenance through GitHub Actions.
- Developers learning an unfamiliar codebase who need it explained.
- Engineering leaders standardizing AI coding with admin controls on Team or Enterprise.
Claude Code Alternatives
- GitHub Copilot: tighter fit for teams already paying for GitHub, with a free tier
- Cursor AI: an AI-first code editor if you prefer working inside an IDE
- Jules: Google's asynchronous coding agent that works in the cloud
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Claude Code free?
No. Claude Code needs a paid Claude plan, starting with Pro at $17 per month billed annually, or pay-as-you-go API billing. The free Claude plan does not include it.
What is Claude Code used for?
Claude Code is used to hand off real programming work to an AI agent. It fixes bugs, writes tests, refactors across files, explains code and prepares pull requests.
Does Claude Code work with VS Code?
Yes. There is an official VS Code extension, plus JetBrains support, so you can review its edits inside your editor. It also runs in any terminal.
Is Claude Code safe to run on my machine?
Yes, with sensible settings. It asks before running commands or editing files by default, and you control which actions are allowed in each project.