Setting Up Claude Code on Every Platform

Setting Up Claude Code on Every Platform

Claude Code is available as a CLI tool, desktop app, web app, and IDE extension. This guide walks through setting up each platform and configuring them to share your settings, memory, and CLAUDE.md files.

Platform Overview

CLI Installation

The CLI is the most full-featured platform and the foundation for all other integrations.

macOS / Linux

npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

Verify Installation

claude --version

First Run

Navigate to your project directory and start a session:

cd your-project
claude

On first run, you'll be prompted to authenticate. Follow the instructions to connect your Anthropic account.

Key CLI Features

• Full agent capabilities: Background agents, worktrees, subagents
• Hooks and skills: All automation features work here
• Memory system: Persistent context across sessions
• Fast mode: Toggle with /fast for faster output

Desktop App

macOS

1. Download from the official Anthropic website or install via Homebrew:

   brew install --cask claude-code

   Copy to clipboard
2. Open the app and sign in with your Anthropic account
3. Open a project folder to start working

Windows

1. Download the installer from the official Anthropic website
2. Run the installer and follow the prompts
3. Open the app and sign in

Desktop App Features

• Native window management and keyboard shortcuts
• System notifications for background agent completion
• Drag-and-drop file support
• Automatic project detection from opened folders

Web App

The web app requires no installation:

1. Navigate to claude.ai/code in your browser
2. Sign in with your Anthropic account
3. Start a session

Web App Considerations

• Works from any device with a modern browser
• Great for quick tasks, code review, and remote access
• Some features (like local file system access and hooks) require the CLI or desktop app
• Sessions sync with your account, so you can start on web and continue on desktop

VS Code Extension

Installation

1. Open VS Code
2. Go to the Extensions panel (Cmd+Shift+X / Ctrl+Shift+X)
3. Search for "Claude Code"
4. Click Install

Or install from the command line:

code --install-extension anthropic.claude-code

Configuration

After installing, the extension integrates directly into your editor:

• Inline chat: Highlight code and ask Claude about it
• Side panel: Full conversation interface alongside your code
• Command palette: Access Claude Code features via Cmd+Shift+P → "Claude Code"

VS Code Tips

• Use the extension for quick, contextual questions about the file you're editing
• For larger tasks (multi-file refactors, feature development), consider switching to the CLI
• The extension reads your project's CLAUDE.md automatically

JetBrains Extension

Installation

1. Open your JetBrains IDE (IntelliJ IDEA, WebStorm, PyCharm, etc.)
2. Go to Settings → Plugins → Marketplace
3. Search for "Claude Code"
4. Click Install and restart the IDE

Configuration

The JetBrains extension provides:

• Tool window: Full conversation panel in the IDE
• Context menu: Right-click on code to ask Claude about it
• Intention actions: Claude-powered quick fixes in the editor
• Project awareness: Reads your CLAUDE.md and project structure

Shared Configuration

All platforms share the same configuration system. Settings you configure once apply everywhere:

CLAUDE.md Files

Your project's CLAUDE.md is read by all platforms automatically. Place it in your project root:

your-project/
├── CLAUDE.md          # Read by CLI, desktop, and IDE extensions
├── src/
│   └── CLAUDE.md      # Directory-specific context
└── ...

Personal Settings

Your personal CLAUDE.md at ~/.claude/CLAUDE.md applies across all projects and platforms:

# Personal Preferences
- Always use TypeScript strict mode
- Prefer functional components in React
- Use conventional commits for all commit messages

Memory

The memory system at ~/.claude/projects/ persists across sessions and platforms. Memories saved during a CLI session are available in the desktop app and vice versa.

Recommended Setup

For the best experience, install at least two platforms:

1. CLI (always install this) — It's the most capable and powers background agents
2. Your IDE extension — For inline assistance while coding

Then use each platform for what it does best:

• IDE extension → Quick questions, inline fixes, small refactors
• CLI → Feature development, migrations, background agents, automation
• Desktop app → Focused sessions, long conversations, complex tasks
• Web app → Remote access, mobile review, sharing sessions

Troubleshooting

"Command not found" after CLI install

Make sure the npm global bin is in your PATH:

echo 'export PATH="$(npm config get prefix)/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.zshrc
source ~/.zshrc

IDE extension not detecting CLAUDE.md

Ensure you've opened the project folder (not a parent directory) in your IDE. The extension looks for CLAUDE.md relative to the workspace root.

Settings not syncing across platforms

All platforms read from ~/.claude/ for user-level settings. Make sure you're signed into the same Anthropic account on all platforms.