Is Claude better than ChatGPT for developers?

Anthropic's offerings are more appealing to developers because Anthropic offers Claude Code which provides superior agentic workflows natively on your computer. While ChatGPT operates through a web interface requiring constant copy-paste workflows, Claude Code executes commands and modifies files within your existing development environment.

Can you use Claude Code with multiple codebases simultaneously?

Yes, open a separate terminal window for each codebase. Each Claude Code instance runs independently with its own context and session.

Does Claude Code work on Windows?

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.

Can you use Claude Code on a VPS/remote server?

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.

How do you stop Claude Code from asking for permissions every time?

Use Shift+Tab to enable auto-accept mode, or configure allowedTools in ~/.claude.json for granular control. Avoid --dangerously-skip-permissions as it removes all safety checks.

How do I enable auto-accept mode in Claude Code?

Press Shift+Tab repeatedly to cycle through modes until you see 'auto-accept edit on' in the UI. This eliminates permission prompts for file edits and operations.

What's the difference between auto-accept mode and plan mode?

Auto-accept mode eliminates permission prompts for immediate execution, while plan mode restricts Claude to read-only research until you approve a plan. They represent opposite ends of the safety spectrum.

Can I customize which tools are auto-accepted in Claude Code?

Yes, configure allowedTools in your ~/.claude.json file to specify exactly which operations proceed without prompts. This provides granular control over permissions.

What is --dangerously-skip-permissions in Claude Code?

A CLI flag that bypasses all safety checks and permission prompts. However, configuring allowedTools provides better security with similar workflow benefits.

Is --dangerously-skip-permissions safe to use?

No, it removes all safety guardrails and can lead to system damage. Use explicit allowedTools configuration instead for secure automation.

What's the difference between auto-accept and dangerous skip permissions?

Auto-accept uses UI toggle (Shift+Tab) with configurable restrictions, while dangerous skip is a CLI flag that bypasses ALL safety checks. Auto-accept is the safer approach.

How should you structure your CLAUDE.md file?

Use clear markdown sections with specific examples and step-by-step procedures. Tell Claude exactly which files to read or avoid. Claude follows CLAUDE.md instructions more strictly than prompts.

How do I configure an MCP server with Claude Code?

Configure MCP servers in ~/.claude.json or ~/.claude/mcp_servers.json to connect external tools. See Configuration for setup details.

How do you add multiple working directories in Claude Code?

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.

How do you activate Plan Mode in Claude Code?

Press Shift+Tab repeatedly to cycle through modes until Plan Mode is activated. Plan Mode allows Claude to research and plan without making changes until you approve.

What does Auto-Compact mean in Claude Code?

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.

What is the Task tool in Claude Code and when should you use it?

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.

What is Todo List in Claude Code?

Claude Code includes a built-in todo list system that tracks progress and shows what Claude plans to do next during your coding session. Todo items have three states: pending, in_progress, and completed.

How do you enable terminal bell notifications in Claude Code?

Enable terminal bell notifications with 'claude config set --global preferredNotifChannel terminal_bell' to get audio alerts when Claude completes tasks. Test with 'echo -e "\a"' to verify your terminal supports bell sounds. No restart required after configuration.

Can I use Claude Code with the Pro subscription?

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.

What's the difference between Claude Max 5X and regular Pro for Claude Code?

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.

Should you use many small files or few large files with Claude Code?

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.

Where can I find additional tools, extensions, and community projects for Claude Code?

Check out Awesome Claude Code (https://github.com/hesreallyhim/awesome-claude-code) for a curated collection of community tools, extensions, tips, and additional resources.

What is CLAUDE.md and why is it important?

CLAUDE.md is a project-specific configuration file that gives Claude Code detailed instructions about your project. It's crucial because Claude follows CLAUDE.md instructions more strictly than regular prompts, making it essential for consistent behavior and optimal results.

How do I install Claude Code?

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. Configure with 'claude config' after installation.

Which Claude model should I use with Claude Code?

Use Claude 4 Opus for most development work (superior reasoning), Claude 4 Sonnet for routine tasks. Strategic switching optimizes both quality and cost performance.

What are the system requirements for Claude Code?

Claude Code requires Node.js 18.0+, 4GB RAM minimum (16GB recommended), 500MB disk space, and internet connectivity. Supports macOS 10.15+, Windows 10+, and Linux (Ubuntu 18.04+, CentOS 7+).

How do I troubleshoot Claude Code installation issues?

Common solutions: 1) Verify Node.js 18.0+ is installed, 2) Check API key setup with 'claude config', 3) Ensure internet connectivity, 4) Try reinstalling with 'npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code --force', 5) For permission issues on macOS/Linux, use sudo or fix npm permissions.

How do I check my Claude Code usage to avoid unexpected API costs?

API users can check usage in the Anthropic Console (https://console.anthropic.com). Subscription users should use the CC Usage tool (https://github.com/ryoppippi/ccusage): install with 'npm install -g ccusage', then run 'ccusage' for detailed token and cost breakdowns.

Is Claude Code slower on WSL compared to native Linux?

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.

Can Claude Code analyze images and screenshots from my computer?

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.

How do auto-compact, /compact, and /clear work in Claude Code?

Auto-compact summarizes conversations when approaching limits. '/compact [instructions]' manually summarizes with specific preservation. '/clear' starts fresh conversation.

Can I use Visual Studio Code with Claude Code on Windows WSL?

Yes, edit files in VS Code while Claude Code runs in WSL terminal. Run 'claude' in VS Code's integrated terminal to auto-install the extension. Use '/ide' command to connect.

How do I switch between different Claude models in Claude Code?

Use the command line flag '--model' when starting Claude Code. For example: 'claude --model claude-sonnet-4-20250514' for Sonnet 4 or 'claude --model claude-opus-4-20250514' for Opus 4. You can also use '/model' command within an active session to switch models.

How do I set up terminal bell notifications on Windows WSL?

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()"' or Question sound: 'powershell.exe -c "[System.Media.SystemSounds]::Question.Play()"'. Enable notifications with: 'claude config set --global preferredNotifChannel terminal_bell'.

How do sub-agents work in Claude Code and when should I use them?

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.

Do sub-agents consume the main agent's context window?

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.

Can I use both API keys and subscription plans with Claude Code?

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.

Why is Claude Code showing 503 error? Is my Claude Code broken?

No, a 503 error indicates server issues, not problems with your Claude Code installation. This means Anthropic's servers are temporarily busy or under maintenance. The error usually resolves in 2-5 minutes automatically. Check https://status.anthropic.com/ for official server status or r/ClaudeAI for community reports.

Is Claude Code down for everyone right now? How do I check if Claude Code is just me?

To check if Claude Code is down for everyone: visit https://status.anthropic.com/ for official status and r/ClaudeAI for user reports. Test other websites to verify your internet connection. Widespread outages show multiple Reddit reports within minutes, while individual issues usually resolve in 1-2 minutes.

Why am I getting Claude Code API errors? Is there a Claude Code API outage?

Claude Code API errors are usually temporary connectivity issues, not API outages. Common causes include connection timeouts, server overload (503 errors), or rate limiting. Check https://status.anthropic.com/ for API status and restart Claude Code. True API outages affecting all users are rare and announced on the status page.

What does Claude Code internal server error mean? How do I fix it?

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. Check https://status.anthropic.com/ for backend issues and avoid reinstalling Claude Code as it won't help with server-side errors.

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 that works directly in your development environment.

How do I get started with Claude Code?

Install via npm, navigate to your project, run 'claude', then ask 'explain what this repo is about' to get immediate project-specific guidance. The key is understanding the conversation-based workflow that makes it different from traditional coding tools.

What can Claude Code do?

Claude Code handles code analysis, feature development, refactoring, debugging, testing, documentation, and works with virtually any programming language and framework. It can read files directly, make coordinated changes across multiple files, and maintain context throughout your session.

Claude Code is free to install but requires a Claude subscription ($20-200/month) or Anthropic API credits for usage. Claude Pro costs $20/month, Claude Max costs $200/month with higher limits and Opus access, while API pricing is pay-per-use.

How do I write better prompts for Claude Code?

Be specific about what you want, provide context about your project and constraints, set clear scope, and leverage CLAUDE.md for persistent context. Instructions in CLAUDE.md are followed more strictly than prompts, so document your project structure and coding standards there.

How do I use Claude Code for debugging?

Claude Code excels at error analysis, stack trace interpretation, and logic tracing. Provide full error messages and context for best results. It can trace bugs across multiple files, recognize patterns, and identify edge cases that cause failures.

How do I use Claude Code for code review?

Claude Code provides comprehensive code reviews covering quality, security, performance, and best practices. It can analyze entire files or specific functions, check for patterns, and provide detailed improvement suggestions with context awareness.

What programming languages work best with Claude Code?

JavaScript/TypeScript, Python, and Java have excellent support. Claude Code works with virtually any language but excels with popular frameworks and well-structured projects. Python shows the strongest community satisfaction based on user feedback.

What is the difference between Claude API and subscription?

API offers pay-per-use pricing with detailed usage tracking, while subscriptions provide fixed monthly costs ($20 Pro, $200 Max) with predictable billing. API users get dedicated limits and detailed cost breakdowns, while subscription users have shared limits with web usage.

What is Claude Max

Claude Max comes in two premium subscription tiers designed for professional developers requiring intensive Claude usage. Choose between limited or unlimited Claude 4 Opus access based on your development needs.

Two Max Tiers

Claude Max 5x ($100/month) - Professional tier with 5x Pro usage limits and limited Claude 4 Opus access for moderate professional development.

Claude Max 20x ($200/month) - Full professional tier with 20x Pro usage limits and unlimited Claude 4 Opus access for intensive development workflows.

Professional Focus - Both tiers designed specifically for developers working on large codebases, complex refactoring, and extended debugging sessions.

Usage Patterns

With Claude 4 Sonnet: I rarely hit usage limits during typical development work - excellent performance for most coding tasks
With Claude 4 Opus on Max 5x: I hit usage limits after approximately 2 hours of intensive coding - superior quality but faster consumption due to 5x plan limits
Strategic Switching: I switch between models based on task complexity to optimize both quality and usage efficiency
Extended Sessions: Perfect for full-day development workflows without interruption

Benefits

Uninterrupted Development: Extended usage limits prevent mid-session interruptions during complex projects
Model Flexibility: Strategic access to Opus for complex problems, Sonnet for routine tasks
Professional Workflows: Designed for developers requiring consistent Claude access throughout work hours
Quality Control: Access to Claude's most capable reasoning for architectural decisions and complex implementations
Cost Predictability: Fixed monthly cost versus variable API pricing for consistent usage patterns

When to Choose Max

Claude Max 5x - I use this tier for moderate professional development where I occasionally need Opus for complex tasks but primarily use Sonnet for daily work.

Claude Max 20x - Best for intensive professional development requiring frequent Opus access for architectural decisions and complex problem-solving throughout the workday.

Tier Selection

Moderate Professional: Claude Max 5x for regular development with occasional complex analysis
Intensive Professional: Claude Max 20x for daily development requiring frequent Opus access
Budget Consideration: Start with Max 5x and upgrade if you consistently hit Opus limits

Cost Optimization

Use Sonnet for routine tasks and switch to Opus for complex problems. Max 5x users should be strategic about Opus usage to avoid hitting limits.

Usage Monitoring

Track your usage patterns to determine which Max tier aligns with your development needs. Consider the CC Usage tool for detailed consumption analytics.

Official Pricing: Anthropic Pricing Page

Two Max Tiers​

Usage Patterns​

Benefits​

When to Choose Max​

Tier Selection​

Two Max Tiers

Usage Patterns

Benefits

When to Choose Max

Tier Selection