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.

Installation

Get Claude Code up and running on your system in just a few steps. This complete Claude Code installation and setup guide covers download, installation, configuration, and model selection for Windows, Mac, and Linux systems.

Note: For the most up-to-date installation instructions, visit the official Claude Code documentation.

Claude Code System Requirements and Prerequisites

Claude Code supports the following operating systems:

macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later
Windows 10 or later
Linux (Ubuntu 18.04+, CentOS 7+, or equivalent)

Hardware Requirements:

4GB RAM minimum (16GB is my recommendation)
500MB available disk space
Internet connection for API communication

Prerequisites

Before installing Claude Code, make sure you have:

Node.js version 18.0 or higher
An Anthropic API key (get one from console.anthropic.com)
A terminal or command prompt

How to Install Claude Code: Step-by-Step Methods

Option 1: npm (Recommended)

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

Option 2: Direct Download

Download the latest binary from the GitHub releases page.

Claude Code Setup and Configuration Guide

API Key Configuration

After installation, configure Claude Code with your API key:

claude config

You'll complete a one-time OAuth process with your Claude Max or Anthropic Console account.

Alternative: Environment Variable

You can also set your API key using an environment variable:

export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY="your-api-key-here"

Add this to your shell profile (.bashrc, .zshrc, etc.) to make it persistent.

Claude Max Subscription

Important: The Anthropic API is pay-per-use and can become expensive with frequent usage. For regular Claude Code users, a Claude Max subscription is likely the more economical option. Claude Max provides higher usage limits at a fixed monthly cost, making it ideal for developers using Claude Code extensively.

Consider Claude Max if you plan to:

Use Claude Code for multiple hours per day
Work on large codebases
Perform complex multi-file operations regularly

Getting Started: If you're unsure about your usage patterns, consider starting with ~$20 in API credits to test Claude Code with your typical workflows. This will help you determine whether the Claude Max subscription is worth the investment for your specific use case.

For complete pricing breakdown and plan comparison, see our Claude AI Pricing Guide.

Disclaimer: The author uses Claude Max 5x.

Claude Code Model Selection and Configuration

Claude Code supports multiple models. You can specify which model to use for optimal performance:

Claude 4 Sonnet: Latest balanced performance and speed

export ANTHROPIC_MODEL="claude-sonnet-4-20250514"

Claude 4 Opus: Maximum capability for complex tasks

export ANTHROPIC_MODEL="claude-opus-4-20250514"

Claude 3.5 Haiku: Fastest and most cost-effective

export ANTHROPIC_MODEL="claude-3-5-haiku-20241022"

Important limitations: Claude 3.5 Haiku

While Haiku is cost-effective, it has significant limitations for Claude Code usage:

Reduced reasoning capabilities - Struggles with complex multi-step planning and architectural decisions
Limited context understanding - Less effective at analyzing large codebases and maintaining context across multiple files
Simplified code analysis - May miss subtle bugs, dependencies, or complex patterns that modern models catch
Basic refactoring only - Not suitable for sophisticated restructuring or feature implementations
Limited framework knowledge - Less effective with complex frameworks or novel coding patterns

Recommended use cases for Haiku:

Simple single-file edits
Basic syntax corrections
Quick code questions
Learning Claude Code basics before upgrading

For serious development work, Claude 4 Sonnet or Opus provide substantially better results and are worth the additional cost.

Alternative Method: You can also specify the model directly when starting Claude Code:

claude --model claude-sonnet-4-20250514
claude --model claude-opus-4-20250514
claude --model claude-3-5-haiku-20241022

To monitor your usage and costs, consider the cc-usage add-on.

For detailed model comparison and selection guidance, see our Complete Model Comparison Guide.

Platform-Specific Claude Code Setup: Windows, Mac, and Linux

Claude Code Windows Setup

For the best Claude Code experience on Windows, follow these optimization steps:

WSL2 Installation and Configuration

1. Install WSL2 (if not already installed):

wsl --install

2. Install a Linux distribution (Ubuntu recommended):

wsl --install -d Ubuntu

3. WSL2 Performance Optimization:

Set WSL2 memory limit by creating .wslconfig in your Windows user directory:

# In Windows: %USERPROFILE%\.wslconfig
[wsl2]
memory=8GB          # Limit WSL2 memory usage
processors=4        # Limit CPU cores
swap=2GB           # Set swap size
localhostForwarding=true

4. Update WSL2 to latest version:

wsl --update

Terminal Recommendation

I personally use Windows Terminal app for Claude Code development. You can download it from the Microsoft Store or GitHub releases.

Claude Code VS Code Integration

1. Install VS Code Extensions:

WSL Extension: ms-vscode-remote.remote-wsl
Remote Development Extension Pack: ms-vscode-remote.vscode-remote-extensionpack

2. Connect VS Code to WSL:

# From WSL terminal in your project directory
code .

3. Install Claude Code VS Code Extension: Install the official Claude Code extension from the VS Code Marketplace or search for "Claude Code" in VS Code's Extensions panel.

4. Restart VS Code completely for the extension to take effect.

5. Use Claude Code with VS Code:

# In VS Code integrated terminal (WSL)
claude
# Or use /ide command from any external terminal to connect

6. VS Code Integration Features:

Use Cmd+Esc (Mac) or Ctrl+Esc (Windows/Linux) to open Claude Code directly
File references: Cmd+Option+K (Mac) or Alt+Ctrl+K (Windows/Linux) to insert file references
View proposed changes in VS Code's diff viewer

Verify Claude Code Installation: Testing Your Setup

Verify your Claude Code installation by running:

claude --version

You should see the current version of Claude Code printed to the terminal.

Installation Complete

With Claude Code successfully installed, you now have access to one of the most powerful AI development tools available. Every great development journey begins with a solid foundation.

Next: Head to the Getting Started section to learn about Claude Code project setup, basic commands, and workflow optimization.

Claude Code System Requirements and Prerequisites​

Prerequisites​

How to Install Claude Code: Step-by-Step Methods​

Option 1: npm (Recommended)​

Option 2: Direct Download​

Claude Code Setup and Configuration Guide​

API Key Configuration​

Alternative: Environment Variable​

Claude Max Subscription​

Claude Code Model Selection and Configuration​

Platform-Specific Claude Code Setup: Windows, Mac, and Linux​

Claude Code Windows Setup​

WSL2 Installation and Configuration​

Terminal Recommendation​

Claude Code VS Code Integration​

Verify Claude Code Installation: Testing Your Setup​