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Connecting Your API Key

You've installed Claude Code. Now let's get it connected to your Anthropic account so you can start using it. This is a one-time setup — do it once, and you're good to go.

Getting Your Anthropic API Key​

If you don't have an Anthropic account yet, head to console.anthropic.com and create one. You can sign up with your Google account or email.

Once you're in the console:

  1. Look for the API Keys section in the sidebar
  2. Click Create API Key
  3. Give it a name you'll remember (like "My Claude Code Key")
  4. Copy the key right away — it only shows once

⚠️ Save that key somewhere safe. If you lose it, you'll need to create a new one.

Connecting the Key to Claude Code​

Here's the easy part. Open your terminal, navigate to any folder (your project, your desktop — anywhere), and type:

claude

That's it. Claude Code will detect this is your first time and prompt you to log in. You have two options:

  • Browser login (easiest): Claude Code opens your browser where you sign in with your Anthropic account. Done.
  • API key login: If you prefer, you can paste your API key directly when prompted.

For most people, the browser login is the smoothest path. It's one click, and you're authenticated.

First Launch — What You See​

After you log in, Claude Code will welcome you and show a brief setup:

  • It checks your environment
  • It may ask for permissions (like file access)
  • It shows you the chat interface

You'll see something like this:

🐱 Claude Code

Connected to: claude-sonnet-4-20250514

Type your request in plain English.
Press Enter to send.

That's your AI command center, ready to go.

Try This Now​

Open your terminal and type claude. Watch the login flow happen. Once you're in, just type "Hello" and hit Enter to confirm everything works.

Next up: Let's actually use it. In the next section, you'll give Claude Code your first task and see what it can do.