Claude Code
: How to use it, features, and the business problems it solves
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What is Claude Code?
Claude Code is an AI coding agent from Anthropic that works directly on your codebase. Centered on the terminal, it can also be used from your IDE (VS Code/JetBrains), the web, Slack, mobile, and GitHub to handle everything from building and debugging to shipping. Agentic search grasps your codebase in seconds, and it supports multi-file editing, issue-to-PR workflows, subagents, routines, and computer use. It runs locally and asks for permission before making changes. Pricing is included with Claude Pro/Max (Pro from $20/Max $100 and $200), while access via the Console is billed as pay-as-you-go API usage.
Business problems it solves
About "Claude Code"
What is Claude Code
Claude Code is an AI coding agent from Anthropic that works directly on your codebase. Centered on the terminal, it can also be used from your IDE (VS Code, JetBrains), the web, Slack, mobile, and GitHub to handle everything from building and debugging to shipping. Agentic search lets it grasp your entire codebase in seconds, and it handles edits that span multiple files as well as full workflows from issue to pull request. It runs on macOS, Linux, and Windows.
Talk to your codebase directly, from the terminal
What sets Claude Code apart is that you can bring Claude in as a coding agent without changing the terminal or development tools you already know. Agentic search automatically maps out your project's structure and dependencies, so there's no need to hand-pick context files. It runs locally and always asks for permission before changing files or running commands.
How to use it
-
Install Claude Code
Run
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bashin your terminal to install it. Extensions for VS Code and JetBrains are also available. -
Sign in
Sign in with a Claude Pro/Max plan or your Claude Console credentials.
-
Ask it to do a task
Describe what you want in natural language, such as "Fix this bug" or "Write tests."
-
Work through planning and approval
Claude Code investigates and implements, asking for permission before making changes or running commands. It supports multi-file edits.
-
Teach it your way of working with rules
Place a
CLAUDE.mdfile in your repository to reflect your coding conventions and preferred approach. You can even hand off everything from issue to submitting a PR.
Features
01Understand and edit
Grasp the codebase and fix it.
- Agentic search — Grasp structure and dependencies in seconds
- Multi-file editing — Reliable changes that understand dependencies
- Issue → PR — From reading to implementing, testing, and submitting a PR
02Agentic capabilities
In parallel, automatically, continuously.
- Subagents — Dozens to hundreds of parallel subagents (dynamic workflows)
- Routines — Scheduled runs, API, and event responses
- Agent view / computer use — Centralized session management, app and browser control
03Integrations and environment
Enhance your existing stack as-is.
- CLI, IDE, Slack, web, mobile — Access it from anywhere
- MCP, GitHub/GitLab — Connect to tools and extend it
- Runs locally — Asks permission before changes, no remote index required
Pricing
Claude Code is included with a Claude subscription. Individuals can use it on the Pro or Max plans, and via Claude Console (API) it's available on standard pay-as-you-go API token pricing (prices shown in USD, as of August 2026).
| Plan | Best for | Key details |
|---|---|---|
| Pro (from $20/mo) | Small, short coding sessions | Includes Claude Code. For smaller codebases |
| Max ($100/mo, 5x) | Daily use at scale | High usage with good value |
| Max ($200/mo, 20x) | Power users | Maximum Claude Code usage |
| Claude Console (API) | Pay-as-you-go | Available at standard API token pricing |
It's also available on premium seats for Team and Enterprise. Features such as Fast mode (a high-speed setting for Opus 5) are provided as well.
How it differs from other AI coding tools
Claude Code stands out for "talking to your codebase directly from the terminal, powered by Claude's reasoning". It doesn't assume you'll switch to a dedicated editor; it enhances your existing development environment as-is.
| Claude Code | Codex | Cursor | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provider | Anthropic | OpenAI (ChatGPT) | Anysphere |
| Form | Terminal-centered + IDE/web/Slack | ChatGPT + IDE extension + CLI | AI-native dedicated editor |
| Strengths | Claude's reasoning, local operation, parallel subagents | ChatGPT integration, parallel processing | Refined editor experience |
If you want a coding agent on the ChatGPT side, Codex is a comparison point; for an experience in a dedicated editor, Cursor; and for GitHub integration and completions, GitHub Copilot.
The information on this page is based on content published on the official website as of August 2026. Please check the official website for the latest specifications and pricing.
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