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?

Start Claude Code with 'claude --dangerously-skip-permissions' OR configure allowedTools in ~/.claude.json. See Configuration for details.

How should you structure your CLAUDE.md file?

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.

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 twice in Claude Code version 1.0.16+

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.

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?

For most development work, use Claude 4 Sonnet for balanced performance and speed. Use Claude 4 Opus for complex tasks requiring maximum capability. Claude 3.5 Haiku is cost-effective but has limitations for serious development work.

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?

Claude Code has three context management options: 1) Auto-compact automatically summarizes conversations when approaching context limits, 2) '/compact [instructions]' lets you manually summarize with specific preservation instructions (e.g., '/compact only keep the names of the websites we reviewed'), and 3) '/clear' starts a fresh conversation. You can disable auto-compact in '/config' for manual control.

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

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. To install the Claude Code VS Code extension: 1) Open VS Code, 2) Open the integrated terminal, 3) Run 'claude' - the extension will auto-install, 4) Use '/ide' command in any external terminal to connect to the IDE.

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.

Does Claude Code store my data?

Claude Code sends your code to Anthropic's servers for processing. Consumer products retain data for 30 days standard, with longer retention for flagged content. Enterprise API customers may be eligible for Zero Data Retention agreements. Consider data sensitivity when working with proprietary code.

Why is Claude Code not working?

Common issues include authentication problems, network connectivity, installation issues, or usage limits. Start with checking authentication and service status at https://status.anthropic.com/. Most issues resolve with basic troubleshooting like restarting Claude Code or checking API keys.

How do I install Claude Code on Windows?

Claude Code works on Windows via WSL2. Install WSL2, then install Node.js 18.0+ and Claude Code within the Linux environment. You can edit files in Visual Studio Code while Claude Code runs in the WSL terminal for seamless integration.

How do I use Claude Code with VS Code?

Open VS Code, open the integrated terminal, and run 'claude'. The VS Code extension auto-installs when it detects Claude Code running. This provides the best of both worlds: familiar VS Code interface with Claude Code's powerful terminal capabilities.

How do I switch between Claude models?

Use '--model' flag when starting Claude Code or '/model' command during a session. Use Sonnet 4 for most daily work, Opus 4 for complex reasoning, and Haiku 3.5 for simple tasks. Example: 'claude --model claude-sonnet-4-20250514'.

What is Claude Code auto-compact?

Auto-compact automatically summarizes conversations when approaching context window limits. You can also manually compact with '/compact' command or use '/clear' for fresh conversations. Manual compacting at strategic times provides better control than automatic triggering.

What is the difference between Claude 3.5 and Claude 4?

Claude 4 models (Opus and Sonnet) offer superior performance, better reasoning, and faster responses compared to Claude 3.5. Claude 4 Sonnet provides the best balance for daily development, while Claude 4 Opus excels at complex analysis. Claude 3.5 Sonnet remains cost-effective for budget-conscious workflows.

How much does Claude AI cost?

Claude AI pricing: Pro plan costs $20/month with Sonnet 4 access, Max plan costs $200/month with all models including Opus and 5x higher limits. API pricing is pay-per-use: Opus $15/$75 per million tokens, Sonnet $3/$15 per million tokens.

What is the Difference Between Claude API and Subscription

I use both authentication methods depending on the project. Claude Code supports Anthropic API and Claude subscription plans, each with different cost structures, usage limits, and ideal use cases for development work.

Authentication Methods

Claude Subscription (Pro/Max)

How it works: Use your existing Claude Pro or Max subscription to authenticate Claude Code through browser login
Cost: Fixed monthly fee ($20 Pro, $200 Max) regardless of Claude Code usage
Usage: Shared limits with your web claude.ai usage

Anthropic API

How it works: Purchase API credits and authenticate using an API key from the Anthropic Console
Cost: Pay-per-token pricing based on actual usage
Usage: Dedicated limits separate from any web usage

Cost Comparison

Claude Pro Subscription ($20/month): Sonnet 4 and Haiku 3.5 only, moderate limits shared with web usage, best for light Claude Code usage, cost-effective if you use web Claude regularly
Claude Max Subscription ($200/month): All models including Opus 4, 5x higher limits than Pro, best for daily development work, usually cost-effective for full-time development
Anthropic API (Pay-per-use): All models with current API pricing, scales with actual consumption, best for variable usage and team environments, cost depends on usage patterns

Usage Patterns

Subscription Advantages

Predictable Costs: Fixed monthly fee regardless of usage spikes
Simplicity: No usage tracking or credit management required
Web Integration: Same account for both Claude Code and web claude.ai
No Setup: Browser authentication is straightforward

API Advantages

Usage Transparency: Detailed token tracking and cost breakdown
Team Billing: Centralized billing and usage monitoring for organizations
Cost Control: Pay only for actual usage, better for variable workloads
Dedicated Limits: No competition with web usage for API quota

Decision Framework

I observe clear patterns in when each method works best:

Choose Subscription If:

You already use web Claude regularly
You prefer predictable monthly costs
You want simple authentication setup
Your usage is consistent and moderate

Choose API If:

You need detailed usage tracking
You're setting up team/organizational access
Your usage varies significantly month to month
You want dedicated Claude Code limits

Model Access Comparison

Claude Pro Subscription

Available: Sonnet 4 (recommended for most work)
Available: Haiku 3.5 (basic tasks)
Not available: Opus 4

Claude Max Subscription

Available: All models including Opus 4
Available: Higher usage limits across all models
Available: Best for complex development work

Anthropic API

Available: All models based on API availability
Available: Current API pricing structure
Available: Flexible usage allocation across models

Usage Monitoring

Subscription Users

Use CC Usage tool for detailed Claude Code usage tracking
Monitor usage in Claude web interface for combined limits
No direct cost tracking (fixed monthly fee)

API Users

Monitor usage in Anthropic Console
Real-time cost and token tracking
Detailed breakdown by model and session

Migration Considerations

Subscription to API: Switch if you need more usage transparency or hit subscription limits frequently
API to Subscription: Switch if your usage is consistent and subscription would be more cost-effective
Pro to Max: Upgrade if you need Opus 4 access or hit Pro usage limits regularly

My Recommendation

I recommend starting with Claude Pro if you're new to Claude Code and already use web Claude. Upgrade to Max or switch to API based on your actual usage patterns after a few weeks of regular development work.

Authentication Methods​

Cost Comparison​

Usage Patterns​

Decision Framework​

Model Access Comparison​

Usage Monitoring​

Migration Considerations​