Skip to main content

FAQs

Comprehensive Claude Code FAQ covering installation, setup, configuration, best practices, and troubleshooting. Get answers to common questions from real-world usage and community discussions.

Getting Started​

Q: What is Claude Code?
A: Claude Code is Anthropic's official CLI for AI-assisted coding. It's a terminal-based development tool with file management, code analysis, multi-model support, and MCP server integration. What is Claude Code

Q: What can Claude Code do?
A: Claude Code handles code analysis, feature development, refactoring, debugging, testing, documentation, and works with virtually any programming language and framework. Capabilities overview

Q: What is Claude Code used for?
A: Claude Code is used for AI-assisted software development, from writing new features to debugging existing code, with support for any programming language or framework. Detailed use cases

Q: How do I get started with Claude Code?
A: Install via npm, navigate to your project, run claude, then ask "explain what this repo is about" to get immediate project-specific guidance. Getting started guide

Q: Is Claude Code free?
A: Claude Code is free to install but requires a Claude subscription ($20-200/month) or Anthropic API credits for usage. Pricing details

Q: How much does Claude Code cost?
A: Claude Pro costs $20/month, Claude Max costs $200/month with higher limits and Opus access, while API pricing is pay-per-use. Complete pricing breakdown

Q: Do I have to pay for Claude Code?
A: Yes, while Claude Code installation is free, you need either a Claude subscription or Anthropic API credits for usage. Payment options explained

Q: What's the difference between Claude Pro and Claude Max for developers?
A: Claude Pro ($20/month) includes Sonnet 4 with limited usage, while Claude Max ($200/month) adds Opus access and 5x higher limits. Max is recommended for professional development. Complete pricing comparison

Q: How do I write better prompts for Claude Code?
A: Be specific about what you want, provide context about your project and constraints, set clear scope, and include examples from your codebase. Better prompting guide

Q: Is Claude Code easy to learn for beginners?
A: Yes, Claude Code uses natural language commands making it very beginner-friendly. Start with simple requests like "explain this code" or "create a hello world file" to get comfortable. Complete beginner tutorial

Q: Do I need coding experience to use Claude Code?
A: While helpful, extensive coding experience isn't required. Claude Code accepts natural language requests and can teach you as you work. It's excellent for learning programming concepts through hands-on practice. Getting started guide

Setup & Platform​

Q: Can you use Claude Code with multiple codebases simultaneously?
A: Yes, open a separate terminal window for each codebase. Each Claude Code instance runs independently with its own context and session.

Q: Does Claude Code work on Windows?
A: Yes, Claude Code works smoothly on Windows via WSL2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux). Install WSL2, then install Claude Code within the Linux environment. You can edit files in Visual Studio Code while Claude Code runs in the WSL terminal. Windows installation guide

Q: How do I install Claude Code on Windows?
A: Install WSL2 first, then install Node.js and Claude Code within the Linux environment. VS Code integrates seamlessly for editing files while Claude Code runs in the WSL terminal. Complete Windows setup guide

Q: Does Claude Code work on Windows 11?
A: Yes, Claude Code works excellently on Windows 11 via WSL2. Windows 11 has improved WSL2 performance and better integration with Linux applications. Windows 11 installation steps

Q: How do I install Claude Code on Mac?
A: Install Node.js 18.0+, then run npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code. Configure with claude config using your API key or Claude subscription. macOS installation is straightforward with no additional setup required. Complete Mac installation guide

Q: Does Claude Code work on macOS?
A: Yes, Claude Code works natively on macOS 10.15+ with excellent performance. Simply install Node.js and Claude Code via npm - no additional configuration needed like Windows WSL2. macOS installation steps

Q: Can you use Claude Code on a VPS/remote server?
A: Yes, Claude Code can be installed and run on VPS with proper security setup. This allows you to work on projects with more computational resources or maintain persistent sessions. Ensure proper firewall configuration and secure access methods.

Q: Is Claude Code slower on WSL compared to native Linux?
A: Yes, Claude Code typically runs more efficiently on native Linux due to direct system access and reduced overhead. WSL2 introduces virtualization layers that can impact performance, especially for file operations and process spawning.

Q: How do I speed up Claude Code performance?
A: Use Claude 4 Sonnet for balanced speed, organize code into smaller files, use native Linux/macOS over WSL when possible, ensure adequate RAM (16GB recommended), and consider using /compact to manage context window efficiently. Performance optimization guide

Q: Can I use Visual Studio Code with Claude Code on Windows WSL?
A: Yes, you can edit files in Visual Studio Code while Claude Code runs in the WSL terminal. This provides the best of both worlds: a familiar editor interface with Claude Code's powerful terminal capabilities. VS Code integrates seamlessly with WSL2. VS Code integration guide

Configuration​

Q: How do you stop Claude Code from asking for permissions every time?
A: Start Claude Code with claude --dangerously-skip-permissions OR configure allowedTools in ~/.claude.json. See Configuration for details.

Q: How should you structure your CLAUDE.md file?
A: Break it into clear sections using markdown headers to organize different workflows. Include specific examples and step-by-step procedures rather than general instructions. Tell Claude exactly which files it should read or avoid. Since Claude follows CLAUDE.md more strictly than prompts, be thorough and specific. See CLAUDE.md Supremacy for detailed guidance.

Q: How do I configure an MCP server with Claude Code?
A: Configure MCP servers in ~/.claude.json or ~/.claude/mcp_servers.json to connect external tools. See Configuration for setup details.

Q: How do you add multiple working directories in Claude Code?
A: Use the --add-dir CLI argument to access multiple directories beyond your current working directory. For example: claude --add-dir /path/to/other/project or claude --add-dir ../backend-api to work across multiple repositories simultaneously. This enables cross-project collaboration while maintaining context. See Configuration for detailed examples.

Q: How do I switch between different Claude models in Claude Code?
A: Use the command line flag --model when starting Claude Code or the /model command within an active session to switch models. Complete model comparison guide

Q: Which Claude model should I use with Claude Code?
A: Claude 4 Sonnet is recommended for most development work, offering the best balance of capability and speed. Use Opus for complex analysis and Haiku for simple tasks. Detailed model comparison

Features & Tools​

Q: How do you activate Plan Mode in Claude Code?
A: Press Shift+Tab twice in Claude Code version 1.0.16+. See our Plan Mode guide for detailed usage and benefits.

Q: What are the most important Claude Code commands?
A: Essential commands include /compact for context management, /model for switching models, /clear for fresh conversations, and natural language requests like "read this file" or "create a component". Complete command guide

Q: How do I see all Claude Code commands?
A: Type /help in Claude Code to see available slash commands, or simply ask "what commands are available?" for a natural language explanation of capabilities. Essential commands reference

Q: What does "Auto-Compact" mean in Claude Code?
A: When context window approaches limit, Claude Code automatically summarizes the conversation to free up space and continue working. You can also manually compact using /compact command. Auto-compact guide

Q: What does "context window full" mean in Claude Code?
A: The context window is Claude's memory limit for your conversation. When full, Claude can't process more information. Use /compact to summarize and free space, or /clear for a fresh start. Context management guide

Q: How do I manage Claude Code context window efficiently?
A: Use smaller files, strategic /compact commands, organize projects into focused sessions, and leverage sub-agents for parallel tasks. Avoid loading massive files unnecessarily. Context optimization strategies

Q: Can Claude Code analyze images and screenshots from my computer?
A: Yes, Claude Code can analyze images from your computer. Reference image file paths in your conversation or paste images directly into the terminal. Useful for debugging UI issues, analyzing screenshots, and visual documentation.

Q: What is the Task tool in Claude Code and when should you use it?
A: The Task tool launches parallel sub-agents. Each "Task" creates a sub-agent, indicated within the Claude Code UI by a flashing bubble that turns green when complete. See Task Agent Tools for details.

Q: How do I set up terminal bell notifications on Windows WSL?
A: For Windows WSL users, if the standard terminal bell doesn't work, Claude Code can run these PowerShell commands for audio notifications:

  • Default beep: powershell.exe -c "[System.Media.SystemSounds]::Beep.Play()"
  • Question sound: powershell.exe -c "[System.Media.SystemSounds]::Question.Play()"

Enable notifications with: claude config set --global preferredNotifChannel terminal_bell

Q: How do sub-agents work in Claude Code and when should I use them?
A: Sub-agents are parallel task executors that run independently with their own context window. They're useful for tasks requiring multiple file operations or research phases. For example, if Claude needs to write several different files on different topics, each sub-agent can research and write independently. Sub-agents perform tasks significantly faster than the interactive Claude instance.

Q: Do sub-agents consume the main agent's context window?
A: Sub-agents have their own separate context windows and are provided with the task and light context. Only the results they return consume space in the main agent's context window, not their internal processing. This makes them efficient for complex multi-step tasks.

Q: How do I control how many sub-agents Claude Code uses?
A: You can explicitly request the number of sub-agents: "Use 3 sub-agents to handle this task" or "Create a sub-agent for each file that needs updating." Claude also automatically uses sub-agents for non-Write/Edit tasks when appropriate.

Plans & Best Practices​

Q: Can I use Claude Code with the Pro subscription?
A: Yes, Claude Code works with Claude Pro, but you're limited to the Claude 4 Sonnet model and have lower usage limits compared to Claude Max.

Q: What's the difference between Claude Max 5X and regular Pro for Claude Code?
A: Claude Max 5X provides 5x higher usage limits and access to Claude 4 Opus in Claude Code. Pro plan can only use Sonnet and Haiku in Claude Code. With Max using Sonnet you rarely hit limits; with Opus you hit limits after ~2 hours.

Q: Should you use many small files or few large files with Claude Code?
A: Use many small files organized by logical boundaries. This reduces context window usage since Claude only loads relevant files, improves code comprehension, and prevents token waste from loading massive files for small changes.

Q: How do I check my Claude Code usage to avoid unexpected API costs?
A: API users can check usage in the Anthropic Console. Subscription users should use the CC Usage tool: install with npm install -g ccusage, then run ccusage for detailed token and cost breakdowns.

Q: What's the difference between Claude API and subscription for Claude Code?
A: API offers pay-per-use pricing with detailed usage tracking, while subscriptions provide fixed monthly costs ($20 Pro, $200 Max) with predictable billing. API vs subscription comparison

Q: Does Claude Code store my data?
A: Claude Code sends your code to Anthropic's servers for processing. Consider data sensitivity when working with proprietary code or customer information. Data privacy details

Q: Can I use both API keys and subscription plans with Claude Code?
A: Yes, Claude Code supports both Anthropic API keys and Claude subscription plans (Pro and Max). Configure your preferred authentication method with claude config. Subscription users get different usage limits and model access compared to API users.

Advanced Usage​

Q: How do I use Claude Code for debugging?
A: Claude Code excels at error analysis, stack trace interpretation, and logic tracing. Provide full error messages and context for best results. Debugging guide

Q: How do I use Claude Code for code review?
A: Claude Code provides comprehensive code reviews covering quality, security, performance, and best practices. It can analyze entire files or specific functions. Code review guide

Q: What programming languages work best with Claude Code?
A: JavaScript/TypeScript, Python, and Java have excellent support. Claude Code works with virtually any language but excels with popular frameworks and well-structured projects. Language compatibility guide

Installation & Setup​

Q: How do I install Claude Code?
A: Install Claude Code using npm: npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code. You'll need Node.js 18.0+ and either an Anthropic API key or Claude Max subscription. For complete setup instructions, see our Installation guide.

Q: How do I update Claude Code to the latest version?
A: Run npm update -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code to update to the latest version. Check your current version with claude --version before and after updating to confirm the update was successful.

Q: How do I check my Claude Code version?
A: Run claude --version in your terminal to see the currently installed Claude Code version. This is useful for troubleshooting and ensuring you have the latest features.

Q: How do I uninstall Claude Code?
A: Run npm uninstall -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code to completely remove Claude Code from your system. You may also want to remove the ~/.claude.json configuration file if you don't plan to reinstall.

Resources​

Q: Where can I find additional tools, extensions, and community projects for Claude Code?
A: Check out Awesome Claude Code for a curated collection of community tools, extensions, tips, and additional resources.

Service Status & Error Troubleshooting​

Q: Why is Claude Code not working?
A: Common issues include authentication problems, network connectivity, installation issues, or usage limits. Start with checking authentication and service status. Complete troubleshooting guide

Q: Is Claude down right now?
A: Check the official status page at status.anthropic.com and r/ClaudeAI for real-time reports. Most service issues resolve automatically within 2-5 minutes. Service status troubleshooting guide

Q: How do I fix Claude Code not responding?
A: First restart Claude Code, check your internet connection, verify API key/subscription status, and ensure no firewall blocking. Most issues resolve with a simple restart. Step-by-step troubleshooting

Q: How do I fix Claude Code installation errors?
A: Common solutions: verify Node.js 18.0+, try npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code --force, check permissions, and ensure internet connectivity. Complete installation troubleshooting

Q: Why is Claude Code showing 503 error? Is my Claude Code broken?
A: No, a 503 error indicates server issues, not problems with your Claude Code installation. These are temporary server-side issues that usually resolve in 2-5 minutes automatically. Complete 503 error troubleshooting guide

Q: Is Claude Code down for everyone right now? How do I check if Claude Code is just me?
A: Check the official status page at status.anthropic.com and r/ClaudeAI subreddit for real-time reports. Test other websites and try different devices to determine if it's a widespread issue or individual connectivity problem. Complete service status checking guide

Q: Why am I getting Claude Code API errors? Is there a Claude Code API outage?
A: Claude Code API errors are usually temporary connectivity issues, not API outages. Common causes include connection timeouts, authentication issues, or rate limiting. Check the status page and restart Claude Code as first troubleshooting steps. Complete API error troubleshooting guide

Q: What does "Claude Code internal server error" mean? How do I fix it?
A: Claude Code internal server errors are temporary backend processing issues on Anthropic's servers, not problems with your setup. These usually resolve automatically within 1-3 minutes. Don't reinstall or change configuration. Complete internal server error guide

These FAQs are compiled from community discussions and real user experiences. For official documentation, visit the Claude Code docs.