Created by Kaizen, for Unbound

Set Up Claude in Terminal

Claude Code is the terminal version of Claude. It can help set up projects, create files, read your project folder, and build agent instructions when you give it clear permission.

First: open Terminal

Terminal is the app that lets you type instructions directly to your computer. It looks plain, but it is how tools like Claude can open folders, install setup pieces, read project files you allow, run commands, and show you what happened.

Mac

Press Command + Space, type Terminal, then press Return.

Windows

Search for PowerShell, then open it. If the official setup page gives a Windows command, use that command instead.

Claude install command

Copy this line, paste it into Terminal, then press Return.

curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash

Simple setup steps

  1. 1Open Terminal.
  2. 2Copy the install command on this page.
  3. 3Paste it into Terminal and press Return.
  4. 4Wait for the install to finish. Terminal may print a few lines while it works.
  5. 5Type claude and press Return.
  6. 6Sign in if Claude asks you to.
  7. 7Open or create the project folder you want Claude to work inside.
  8. 8Tell Claude what you want in plain English. Start small, then let it ask questions.

How Claude works in Terminal

  • Claude uses Terminal so it can work inside real folders on your computer, not just answer in a chat window.
  • When Claude sets things up, it may create files, organize instructions, run setup commands, or check whether something installed correctly.
  • You can ask Claude to explain every step before it does anything. If something feels too technical, tell it to slow down and use plain English.
  • Do not paste passwords, payment details, or private keys into Terminal unless you fully understand why they are needed.
Official Claude setup