How to Install Claude Code on Mac & Build Your First Project (Step-by-Step Tutorial)

Getting started with Claude Code on macOS

Claude Code represents Anthropic's ambitious move to bring the power of large language models directly into the terminal environment. This command-line interface tool allows developers to interact with Claude's capabilities without leaving their workflow. The installation process on macOS is straightforward but requires attention to a few critical prerequisites. The tutorial begins by walking through the fundamental setup steps, ensuring that the development environment is properly prepared before any code generation occurs. This foundation is essential because Claude Code operates as a local agent that can read, modify, and execute files within designated directories.

The installation uses curl, a standard tool available on all macOS systems by default. This method downloads the terminal client directly from Anthropic's servers, making the process accessible to developers of all skill levels. The approach avoids the need for package managers or complex build processes, keeping the barrier to entry remarkably low for a tool with such substantial capabilities.

Verifying system dependencies and Git setup

Before Claude Code can function correctly, the system must have Git installed and configured. Git serves as the version control backbone for many of Claude Code's operations, particularly when initializing new projects or tracking changes across development sessions. The tutorial demonstrates how to verify Git's presence using simple terminal commands. If Git is missing, the installation process guides users through obtaining it, typically through Apple's Command Line Tools or the standalone installer available from the official Git website.

The dependency check extends beyond Git to include basic directory permissions and path configurations. Claude Code needs appropriate read and write access to the folders where projects will live. Without these permissions, the tool may fail silently or produce errors that are difficult to diagnose. The tutorial emphasizes checking these settings early to avoid frustration later in the development workflow.

Authenticating your Anthropic account

Authentication represents a critical juncture in the Claude Code setup. Users must have an active Anthropic account and, depending on the desired model access, an appropriate subscription plan. The tutorial walks through the credential entry process, which typically involves either an API key or an interactive browser-based authentication flow. This step connects the local CLI tool to the cloud-based model infrastructure that powers Claude's reasoning and code generation capabilities.

The authentication process also establishes which model versions are available for selection. Claude Code supports switching between different model tiers, allowing developers to balance cost against capability. Newer models offer improved reasoning for complex tasks, while older models may be sufficient for simpler operations and cost-sensitive applications.

Configuring folder permissions and directory structure

Safe execution is a cornerstone of Claude Code's design philosophy. Unlike some AI tools that operate in a sandboxed environment, Claude Code works directly with local files and directories. This means that proper folder permissions are not just convenient—they are essential for security. The tutorial demonstrates how to designate specific directories as allowed working spaces, preventing Claude Code from accessing or modifying files outside the intended scope.

The directory setup process also involves choosing where projects will live. Many developers prefer a dedicated folder structure for AI-assisted work, separating it from manually maintained codebases. This organizational approach makes it easier to track which files were modified by Claude Code and simplifies version control when reviewing changes.

Scaffolding a Vite project with Tailwind CSS

With the environment fully configured, the tutorial transitions to practical application. Claude Code demonstrates its project scaffolding capabilities by generating a complete web development setup using Vite, a modern build tool known for its speed and simplicity. The generated project includes HTML, CSS, and Tailwind CSS configuration, providing a production-ready starting point for frontend development.

This demonstration highlights Claude Code's ability to understand high-level instructions and translate them into concrete file structures and configurations. Instead of manually running npm create vite and then adding Tailwind through a series of commands, the developer can describe the desired outcome and let Claude Code handle the implementation details. The generated files include proper package.json entries, configuration files, and initial component structure.

Switching models and extending Claude Code with extensions

Model selection is a practical consideration for any Claude Code user. Different tasks benefit from different model capabilities, and the ability to switch quickly without restarting the environment is valuable. The tutorial shows how to change the active model, allowing developers to experiment with newer or more specialized model versions as needed. This flexibility is particularly useful when working on projects with varying complexity levels.

The Claude Chrome Extension adds browser automation capabilities to the workflow. This integration allows Claude Code to inspect web pages, test responsive designs, and debug layout issues directly in the browser environment. The extension bridges the gap between terminal-based code generation and visual verification, creating a more complete development loop. Automated browser testing becomes possible without leaving the Claude Code interface.

Maintaining project memory with CLAUDE.md files

Long-term project context is a challenge for any AI-assisted development workflow. Claude Code addresses this through CLAUDE.md files, which serve as persistent memory across development sessions. These markdown files can contain architecture decisions, coding conventions, and project-specific instructions that Claude Code reads at the start of each session. This capability transforms Claude Code from a stateless code generator into a context-aware development partner.

The tutorial demonstrates how to create and maintain these files effectively. Rather than repeatedly explaining the same project conventions, developers can codify them once in CLAUDE.md and let Claude Code apply them consistently. This approach is particularly valuable for teams where multiple developers may interact with the same project across different sessions. Architecture logs and decision records stored in CLAUDE.md ensure continuity even as team composition changes.