How to Use Claude Code

Learn to use Claude Code for AI-assisted programming. Enable the feature, write prompts, review generated code, and integrate it into your projects.

1. Access Claude through the web interface or API. Go to claude.ai and sign in to your account, or set up API access through console.anthropic.com. Claude Code is available in both interfaces. If using the web interface, you'll see the Code capability enabled by default in recent Claude models. For API users, specify the Claude model in your request parameters.
2. Write a specific code request in plain language. Describe what you need Claude to build. Be explicit about the language, framework, and expected behavior. Instead of "create a function," say "write a Python function that validates email addresses using regex and returns True or False." Include context about edge cases, performance requirements, or specific libraries you prefer.
3. Submit your prompt and wait for Claude to generate code. Press Enter or click Send. Claude will analyze your request and output code in a formatted block. The code appears with syntax highlighting for the language you specified. Claude includes explanatory text above and below the code block describing what the code does and how to use it.
4. Read through the code and verify it matches your requirements. Check that the code implements the exact logic you requested. Look for syntax errors, missing imports, or incomplete implementations. Test the logic against your mental model of what should happen. If Claude made assumptions you didn't intend, note them now before using the code in production.
5. Copy the code block to your editor or IDE. In the Claude web interface, hover over the code block and click the Copy button in the top-right corner. Paste it into your text editor, IDE, or file. Alternatively, select the code manually with your mouse and copy it using Cmd+C or Ctrl+C.
6. Ask Claude to modify or debug the code if needed. If the code doesn't work or needs changes, describe the problem in a follow-up message. Say "This function throws an error on empty strings. Fix it" or "Add error handling for network timeouts." Claude understands context from previous messages and will refine the code based on your feedback without requiring you to paste the original code again.
7. Run the code in your local environment and verify behavior. Execute the code with test inputs matching your use case. Check that output is correct, performance is acceptable, and no errors occur. Run edge cases like empty inputs, null values, or large datasets. If behavior is unexpected, return to Claude with specific error messages or unexpected outputs.