What Is Claude Code?
Claude Code is Anthropic's agentic coding tool. You describe what you want, it writes the code, runs commands, reads your files, and builds things end to end.
It is not the chat interface at claude.ai. Claude Code is a separate tool that lives in your terminal or code editor. Think of it as a coding partner that actually does the work with you, not just gives you answers.
Where to Get Claude Code
Go to the official page: claude.ai/code. It has the download instructions and everything you need to get started.
If you have never used a terminal or a code editor before, that is fine. Most people feel the same way the first time. You do not need to understand everything. You just need to follow the steps.
Getting Set Up
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01
Install VS Code
A free code editor made by Microsoft. Download at code.visualstudio.com and install it like any other app.
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02
Install Node.js
Claude Code needs this to run. Go to nodejs.org, download the LTS version, and install it.
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03
Install Claude Code
Open your terminal. On Mac, search for Terminal in Spotlight. On Windows, open Command Prompt or PowerShell. Type this and press Enter:
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-codeThen type:
claudeA browser window will open asking you to log in with your Anthropic account. If you have Claude Pro, you are already covered.
Where to Run It
- claude.ai/code — official starting point, go here first
- VS Code extension — run Claude Code inside VS Code (recommended for beginners)
- Terminal — works on Mac, Linux, and Windows via WSL
- Antigravity Free tier — browser-based, no local setup needed
- Claude.ai web Free tier — good for learning and small experiments
The VS Code extension is the most beginner-friendly option. You can see your files, your code, and Claude Code all in one place.
How to Actually Use It
Once Claude Code is open, you just talk to it. There is no special syntax to learn.
You can say things like:
When something breaks, paste the error message directly into Claude Code and say "fix this." It will read the file, find the problem, and update the code. You do not need to understand what went wrong.
That loop, describe, build, break, fix, is how most people learn. It is fine to not know what you are doing at first. The tool is built for that.
Project Ideas to Get Started
These are common starting points. They are not guarantees of any outcome. The point is to have something you built, something live, something you can point to.
Starter Skills for Claude Code
Leon built a collection of SKILL.md files that help Claude Code produce better, more consistent output. Worth using.
github.com/Leonxlnx/taste-skill
Download the repo, read the SKILL.md files, and reference them when prompting.
3D and Animated Sites
Claude Code is not limited to flat sites. You can build 3D scenes, scroll animations, and interactive experiences. It takes patience. You will break things. That is how you learn.
- Spline Free tier — design and embed 3D scenes
- Spline Community Free — ready-made 3D assets
- 21st.dev Free — pre-built 3D and Spline components
- Claude Code in VS Code Paid — build with Three.js, GSAP, Framer Motion
- Antigravity Free tier — browser-based, no setup
- Google Whisk Free — AI image generation for visual assets
- Google Flow Free tier — AI motion and video for web assets
- Google AI Studio Free — build with Gemini for AI-powered features
Design Inspiration
Study what good looks like before you build.
- godly.website — curated modern web designs
- land-book.com — landing pages sorted by style
- awwwards.com — award-winning sites judged by designers
- lapa.ninja — landing page inspiration with filters
- landingfolio.com — SaaS and startup landing pages
- onepagelove.com — single-page site showcase
- siteinspire.com — minimal, clean design
- darkmodedesign.com — dark-themed sites only
- httpster.net — curated web design inspiration
- mux.com — video hosting and streaming for web projects
Deploy for Free With Vercel
Vercel is the easiest way to get your project live. The free plan is enough to start.
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1
Create a free account at vercel.com using your GitHub account.
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2
Push your project to a GitHub repo. Ask Claude Code to help with this.
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3
In Vercel, click Add New Project and import your repo.
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4
Click Deploy. You get a live URL like
yourproject.vercel.appin seconds. Every push auto-redeploys.
Free plan includes unlimited deployments, custom domain support, automatic HTTPS, and 100GB bandwidth per month. You can also buy a domain from Namecheap or Cloudflare Registrar and connect it in Vercel settings.
Common Questions
Is Claude Code included with Claude Pro? +
Yes. Claude Code is included with a Claude Pro subscription. You do not need to pay extra for it.
Do I need to know how to code? +
No. You describe what you want in plain language and Claude Code writes the code. When something breaks, paste the error message and tell it to fix the issue.
Can I use Claude Code for free? +
Claude Code requires a Claude Pro subscription or API access. For browser-based use without local setup, Antigravity (antigravity.dev) offers a free tier.
How do I deploy what I build? +
Vercel is the easiest option. Push your project to GitHub, import the repo in Vercel, and click Deploy. You get a live URL in seconds. The free plan includes unlimited deployments and automatic HTTPS.
Want to go further?
If you want to learn how to use these tools in your freelance or creative business, or you are figuring out where to start, Mudayon works with freelancers and solopreneurs on content systems, lead generation, and AI implementation.
Book a Call
Not a sales pitch. A conversation about where you are and whether there is a fit. Pick a time below.