Claude Code Setup Guide for Beginners (macOS & Windows)

Part 1

Terminal Basics

The terminal is a text-based way to talk to your computer. Instead of clicking buttons, you type short commands. It looks intimidating at first, but you only need a handful of commands — and we'll guide you through every one.

You'll need this for the rest of the setup, so let's start here.

How to Open Your Terminal

macOS

Press Cmd + Space to open Spotlight
Type Terminal and press Enter
A window with a blinking cursor appears — you're in!

Windows

Press the Windows key
Type PowerShell and press Enter
A window with a blinking cursor appears — you're in!

Try It Out

Get a feel for the terminal — type these and see what happens.

What to try	Command	What happens
See where you are	`pwd`	Shows your current folder
List what's here	`ls`	Shows files and folders
Clear the screen	`clear`	Cleans up the clutter
See today's date	`date`	Shows current date and time

You don't need to memorize commands. You just need to know how to open the terminal and type what we tell you. We'll walk you through everything else.

Part 2

Claude Setup

This is the most important part. Once you finish these steps, you're ready for the bootcamp.

Claude is the AI we'll be working with all weekend. In this section you'll subscribe, install the tools, and verify everything works.

Step 1: Create Your Claude Account

Go to claude.ai in your browser
Click "Sign up" and create an account with your email
Verify your email address

Step 2: Choose Your Plan

Important: Claude Code requires a paid subscription. The free Claude.ai plan does not include Claude Code access.

Plan	Price	Who it's for
Pro	$20/month	Most participants — all bootcamp exercises work on Pro
Max	From $100/month	Power users who want the highest usage limits

Our recommendation: Start with Pro ($20/month). It covers everything you need for the bootcamp. You can always upgrade to Max later if you want more capacity.

Step 3: Verify Your Subscription

Log in to claude.ai
Click your name (bottom-left) then Settings
Go to Subscription — you should see "Pro" or "Max"

If you already have a Claude account through work, check with your admin whether it includes Claude Code access. If not, you'll need a personal subscription.

Step 4: Install Git

Claude Code needs Git to work. Git is a version control tool — think of it as an undo button for your entire project.

macOS

Open Terminal and type git, then press Enter
macOS will show a popup asking to install developer tools — click Install. If you don't see a popup, check behind your other windows.
Wait for the download to finish — this can take 10–20 minutes on a normal connection. The progress bar may appear stuck; this is normal. Do not cancel it. Your terminal will just say "press any key" or sit idle while this happens — that's fine.

Windows

Open PowerShell and run:

winget install Git.Git

Getting a certificate error? Try: winget install Git.Git --source winget

Close PowerShell completely and open a new PowerShell window.

Golden Rule for Windows

You must close and reopen PowerShell after every install. The new window picks up the changes — your existing window won't. We'll remind you each time, but remember this rule.

Verify it installed — run this in your terminal:

git --version

You should see something like: git version 2.x.x — that means Git is ready to go.

Step 5: Install Claude Code

Claude Code is Claude's terminal tool — it lets you work with Claude directly from your terminal to build, edit, and manage projects. This is the main tool we'll use during the bootcamp.

The native installer is a single command. It installs Claude Code and keeps it updated automatically.

macOS

Open Terminal and run these two commands, one at a time:

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

Nothing happening? That's normal. The screen will stay blank for 10–30 seconds while it downloads. Wait for it — you'll see a success message when it's done.

Then run this to make sure your terminal can always find Claude Code:

echo 'export PATH="$HOME/.local/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.zshrc && source ~/.zshrc

macOS blocked the install? If you see a security warning or "permission denied," go to System Settings → Privacy & Security and click Allow Anyway, then run the command again.

On a corporate or school network? If the command fails with a certificate or connection error, try switching to a personal mobile hotspot and running it again.

Windows

Make sure you installed Git in Step 4 first. Run the installer (irm means "download" and iex means "run it"):

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

Nothing happening? That's normal. The screen will stay blank for 10–30 seconds while it downloads. Wait for it — you'll see a success message when it's done.

Now run this command. It tells Claude Code where to find Git Bash on your system:

[Environment]::SetEnvironmentVariable("CLAUDE_CODE_GIT_BASH_PATH", "C:\Program Files\Git\bin\bash.exe", "User")

Close PowerShell completely and open a new PowerShell window.

Verify the installation — quit Terminal (Cmd + Q), reopen it, and run:

In your new PowerShell window, verify the installation:

claude --version

You should see a version number — that means Claude Code is ready.

Still see command not found?

Make sure you ran both commands above, then quit Terminal (Cmd + Q), reopen it, and try claude --version again.

The installer sometimes forgets to register its location. Run this to fix it, then close and reopen PowerShell:

[Environment]::SetEnvironmentVariable("PATH", "$([Environment]::GetEnvironmentVariable('PATH', 'User'));$env:USERPROFILE\.local\bin", "User")

Also make sure the Git Bash path is set:

[Environment]::SetEnvironmentVariable("CLAUDE_CODE_GIT_BASH_PATH", "C:\Program Files\Git\bin\bash.exe", "User")

Step 6: Log In to Claude Code

Open your terminal and type claude, then press Enter
Claude Code will first ask you to choose a text style — pick the one that looks best on your screen (the first option usually works fine) and press Enter
You'll be asked to accept the terms of service — press Enter to continue
Choose "Claude account with subscription" as your login method
Claude Code will open your browser automatically for sign-in
If the browser doesn't open, you'll see a prompt in the terminal — press c to copy the login URL to your clipboard, then paste it into your browser
Sign in with the Claude account you created in Step 1
Return to your terminal and press Enter to continue
If asked to choose an effort level, pick "low effort" for now — we'll adjust this during the bootcamp

After you log in once, Claude Code remembers your credentials. You won't need to sign in again unless you explicitly log out.

Authentication failed or subscription not recognized?

Make sure you're signed in to claude.ai in your browser and that your Pro or Max subscription is active (check Settings → Subscription). Then try running claude again.

Step 7: Quick Test

Let's make sure everything is working. You should now be inside Claude Code from the previous step. Type this:

what is 2 + 2?

The cursor will sit there for a few seconds while Claude thinks — that's normal. Wait for the response.

If Claude responds with an answer, you're all set! Everything is installed and connected.

Type /exit to close Claude Code.

Before the bootcamp, we'll ask you to create a project folder called thecrux-bootcamp — we'll walk you through it on Day 1.

Save Your Quota

Claude Pro has a weekly rolling usage limit. Think of it like charging your laptop before a long flight — don't use Claude until the bootcamp begins so your full quota is available for our Saturday–Sunday sessions. If you need AI help this week, use ChatGPT or Gemini instead.

Part 3

Online Accounts

During the bootcamp, we'll deploy projects to the web and use a database. For now, you just need to create free accounts — no project setup needed yet.

GitHub — Code Hosting

Go to github.com
Click "Sign up" and create a free account
Choose a username you're happy with — this becomes your public profile

GitHub is where your code lives online. Vercel and Supabase both let you sign in with GitHub, so create this account first.

Vercel — Web Hosting

Vercel turns your code into a live website. Push your code, and it automatically deploys — no server setup needed.

Go to vercel.com
Click "Sign Up" — use Continue with GitHub (recommended)
Complete the onboarding — you can skip any optional steps

Supabase — Database

Supabase gives your apps a database to store and retrieve data — user signups, form submissions, and more — without managing servers.

Go to supabase.com
Click "Start your project" and sign up with Continue with GitHub
Complete the onboarding — no need to create a project yet

OpenRouter — AI Model Access

OpenRouter gives you access to multiple AI models — GPT, Gemini, Llama, and more — through a single API key. During the bootcamp, we'll use it to build features powered by different AI models.

Go to openrouter.ai
Click "Sign Up" — GitHub sign-in is available if you prefer
Complete the onboarding — you can skip any optional steps

Just create accounts for now. We'll set up projects together during the bootcamp. All four services have free tiers. GitHub, Vercel, and Supabase require no credit card. OpenRouter may require adding a small credit balance ($5–10) to use AI models during the bootcamp — create the account now and we'll discuss usage during the session.

Part 4

Dev Tools

These tools are needed for building and deploying projects during the bootcamp. Install them now so everything is ready on Day 1.

Install Developer Tools

During the bootcamp, Claude Code will need a few tools to build and deploy projects: Python (for scripts), Node.js (for web apps), and GitHub CLI (for pushing code).

macOS

Install each tool one at a time. We'll use Homebrew (a package manager for macOS) to install everything.

1. Homebrew

Check if it's already installed:

brew --version

If you see a version number, skip to Python. Otherwise, install Homebrew:

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

You may be asked for your Mac password — type it and press Enter (the cursor won't move, that's normal).

Apple Silicon Macs (M1 / M2 / M3 / M4)

After Homebrew installs, it will show two commands starting with echo and eval. Copy and run both of them — this tells your terminal where to find Homebrew. Then close and reopen Terminal.

Verify:

brew --version

2. Python

Check if it's already installed:

python3 --version

If you see Python 3.10 or later, skip to Node.js. Otherwise:

brew install python

Verify:

python3 --version

3. Node.js

brew install node

Verify:

node --version

4. GitHub CLI

brew install gh

Then authenticate:

gh auth login

Select: GitHub.com → HTTPS → Y → Login with a web browser. Copy the code, open the browser link, and paste it in.

Final checkpoint — all of these must pass before the bootcamp:

python3 --version
node --version
npm --version
gh auth status

If every command shows a version or status, you're all set!

Windows

Install each tool one at a time. Remember the golden rule: close and reopen PowerShell after every install.

1. Python

winget install Python.Python.3.12

Close and reopen PowerShell. Verify:

py --version

2. Node.js

winget install OpenJS.NodeJS.LTS

Close and reopen PowerShell. Verify:

node --version

Then fix the execution policy (allows npm scripts to run):

Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope CurrentUser -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned

Type Y when prompted.

3. GitHub CLI

winget install GitHub.cli

Close and reopen PowerShell. Then authenticate:

gh auth login

Select: GitHub.com → HTTPS → Y → Login with a web browser. Copy the code, open the browser link, and paste it in.

Final checkpoint — all of these must pass before the bootcamp:

git --version
claude --version
py --version
node --version
npm --version
gh auth status

If every command shows a version or status, you're all set!

Install Antigravity (Code Editor)

Google Antigravity is a free, AI-powered code editor from Google. It's based on VS Code, so if you've used that before, it'll feel familiar. If you haven't — don't worry, it's beginner-friendly. We'll be using it extensively during the bootcamp.

Go to the Google Antigravity website
Download the installer for your operating system
Run the installer and follow the prompts
Open Antigravity — you'll see a welcome screen

When you open Antigravity, here's what you'll see:

Left sidebar — your files and folders
Main area — where you edit files
Bottom panel — the integrated terminal (this is where Claude Code runs!)
Built-in AI agent — Antigravity has its own AI assistant built in

Pro Tip

Antigravity's built-in terminal means you can run Claude Code right inside your editor — no need to switch between windows.

Verify Everything & Send Screenshot

Let's confirm all your tools are installed.

macOS

Open your terminal, type claude, and paste this prompt:

Check if the following tools are installed on this Mac and
print the results as a clean table with two columns:
Tool and Status.

Tools to check:
- Git
- Claude Code
- Python 3
- Node.js
- npm
- GitHub CLI (gh) — also check if authenticated

For Status, show the version number if installed,
or "NOT FOUND" if missing.
For GitHub CLI, show "authenticated" or
"not authenticated" after the version.

Print ONLY the table, nothing else.

Windows

You already ran the final checkpoint commands above. If you skipped it, open PowerShell and run:

git --version
claude --version
py --version
node --version
npm --version
gh auth status

You should see something like this:

Tool	Status
Git	`2.x.x`
Claude Code	`1.x.x`
Python	`3.12.x`
Node.js	`v22.x.x`
npm	`10.x.x`
GitHub CLI	`2.x.x (authenticated)`

Take a screenshot of the table and email it to:

hello@thecrux.ai

This confirms your setup is complete. If any tool shows "NOT FOUND", go back and install it before the bootcamp.

Type /exit to close Claude Code.

Part 5 — Optional

Nice to Have

These aren't required for the bootcamp, but they'll make your experience better.

Install Claude Desktop

Claude Desktop is Claude's standalone app — a chat interface for conversations, brainstorming, and quick questions. Not required for the bootcamp, but handy to have.

Go to claude.ai/download
Download the app for your operating system
Install and open the app
Sign in with your Claude account

Reference

Still Stuck?

Every step above includes its own fix-it guidance. If you've followed the steps and something still isn't working:

Don't stress. We've scheduled dedicated 45-minute setup help slots for Windows and Mac users. Check your email for your time slot and join link.

Send us a message

Reference

Uninstalling Claude Code

If you ever need to remove Claude Code from your computer, here's how.

Show uninstall commands

Remove Claude Code

macOS

rm -f ~/.local/bin/claude
rm -rf ~/.local/share/claude

Windows

Remove-Item -Path "$env:USERPROFILE\.local\bin\claude.exe" -Force
Remove-Item -Path "$env:USERPROFILE\.local\share\claude" -Recurse -Force

Remove Settings and Session History

macOS

rm -rf ~/.claude
rm -f ~/.claude.json

Windows

Remove-Item -Path "$env:USERPROFILE\.claude" -Recurse -Force
Remove-Item -Path "$env:USERPROFILE\.claude.json" -Force

Bonus

For the Adventurous

Everything above is all you need for the bootcamp. But if you want to explore further, here are some tools worth trying.

Fancy Terminals

macOS

The default Terminal works fine. But if you want something nicer:

Warp — AI-powered terminal with autocomplete, command search, and a modern interface. Free tier available.
Ghostty — Blazing fast, native terminal built for performance. Free and open source.

Windows

The default PowerShell works fine. But if you want something nicer:

Warp — AI-powered terminal with autocomplete, command search, and a modern interface. Free tier available.

These are optional upgrades. Claude Code works the same in any terminal.

Stretch Your AI Usage

Your Claude Pro subscription has usage limits. These tools give you additional AI access on top of your subscription — for free.

Google Antigravity (already installed in Part 4) — Its built-in AI agent runs on Gemini and Claude models at no extra cost during the current preview. You get access to powerful models like Claude Opus for free, right inside the editor.
Cursor — AI-powered code editor with a free Hobby tier that includes limited AI agent requests and tab completions. Supports Claude and other models. Great as a second opinion alongside Claude Code.

Smart Move

Use Claude Code (from your subscription) as your main tool. Then use Antigravity's free built-in agent for additional tasks when you want to save your Claude Pro usage for the heavy lifting.