0.1: Installation

• Time to Complete: 15 minutes
• Prerequisites: Claude Pro or Max subscription

Overview

Module 0.1 covers installation and authentication for Claude Code. This reference guide provides quick-access information to complement the interactive tutorial.

Key takeaway: Claude Code requires Node.js 18+ and a paid Claude subscription. Installation takes under 5 minutes once prerequisites are met.

Prerequisites

How to Open Your Terminal

All the commands in this guide need to be typed into your terminal (also called command line). Here’s how to open it:

Mac:

1. Press Cmd + Space to open Spotlight
2. Type “Terminal”
3. Press Enter

Windows:

1. Press the Windows key
2. Type “PowerShell”
3. Press Enter

You’ll see a window with a blinking cursor - this is where you’ll type commands.

Quick Installation

Check Node.js Version

Open your terminal and type this command, then press Enter:

node --version

If you see v18.0.0 or higher, proceed to installation. Otherwise, install Node.js first.

Install Node.js (If Needed)

Recommended: Download the LTS version from nodejs.org

Using Package Managers:

Important: After installing Node.js, completely close your terminal window and open a new one. This refreshes your system’s PATH so it recognizes the node command.

Install Claude Code

In your terminal, copy and paste one of these commands, then press Enter:

Mac:

curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash

Windows (PowerShell):

irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex

Verify Installation

Type this command in your terminal and press Enter:

claude --version

If you see a version number, installation succeeded. If you see command not found, completely close your terminal window and open a new one, then try again.

Authentication

Type this in your terminal and press Enter:

claude

When prompted:

1. Choose “Claude account with subscription” (NOT Anthropic Console)
2. Complete browser authentication
3. Select your preferred terminal text style

After authentication, you’ll see the Claude Code welcome screen.

Health Check

Inside Claude Code, type this command:

/doctor

This verifies:

• Installation integrity
• Active subscription
• System configuration
• Common issues

Healthy output shows green checkmarks for all items.

Troubleshooting

Command not found: claude

Fix:

1. Completely close your terminal window and open a new one
2. If still failing, check PATH configuration:

Mac: Add to ~/.bashrc or ~/.zshrc:

export PATH=$HOME/.local/bin:$PATH

Windows: Restart your computer (installer updates PATH automatically)

Subscription required

• Verify active Claude Pro/Max subscription at claude.ai
• Log out and log back in to refresh authentication

Node version too old

Type this in your terminal:

node --version

Download latest LTS from nodejs.org if below v18.0.0

Permission denied

Mac:

sudo curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash

Windows: Run PowerShell as Administrator (right-click PowerShell → Run as Administrator)

Command Reference

Resources

• Official Documentation
• GitHub Issues
• Claude Code community forums

What’s Next?

Module 0.2: Start Claude Code and clone the course repository.

You’ll learn to:

• Have your first conversation with Claude Code
• Use Claude to clone repositories
• Understand intent-based task delegation

Interactive track: Continue with the course repository’s CLAUDE.md file

About This Course

Created by Carl Vellotti. If you have any feedback about this module or the course overall, message me! I’m building a newsletter and community for PM builders, check out The Full Stack PM.

Source Repository: github.com/carlvellotti/claude-code-pm-course