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How to Install Claude Code on Your Terminal: Mac & Windows Step-by-Step Guide

Luis D. González5 min read

Why Claude Code?

This is the tool we used to build gugubrand.com. Every page, every animation, every integration — built through conversation with an AI in the terminal. No Figma. No Photoshop. Just ideas turned into reality through Claude Code.

If you want to understand what's possible with AI today, this is the place to start.


What You Need Before Starting

  • A computer (Mac or Windows)
  • An internet connection
  • An Anthropic account (we'll create one if you don't have it)
  • 5 minutes

That's it. No coding experience. No special software. No computer science degree.


Installing on Mac

Step 1: Open Terminal

Press Cmd + Space, type Terminal, press Enter. A black window with white text appears. That's your terminal. Don't be scared — it's just a text-based way to talk to your computer.

Step 2: Install Node.js (if you don't have it)

Copy and paste this line, then press Enter:

curl -fsSL https://fnm.vercel.app/install | bash

Close the terminal and open it again. Then type:

fnm install --lts

This installs Node.js — the engine that runs Claude Code. Takes about 30 seconds.

Step 3: Install Claude Code

Type this and press Enter:

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

Wait for it to finish. You'll see some text scrolling. When it stops and you see your cursor again, it's done.

Step 4: Launch Claude Code

Type:

claude

The first time, it will ask you to log in to your Anthropic account. Follow the link, sign in, and you're connected.

Step 5: Start Building

Type anything. For example:

"Create a simple website for a coffee shop called Bean & Brew"

Watch the magic happen. Claude Code will create the files, write the code, and you can see the result in your browser.


Installing on Windows

Step 1: Open PowerShell

Press the Windows key, type PowerShell, click "Run as Administrator." A blue window appears.

Step 2: Install Node.js

Go to nodejs.org in your browser. Download the LTS version. Run the installer. Click Next through everything. Restart PowerShell after installation.

To verify it worked, type:

node --version

You should see a version number like v20.x.x.

Step 3: Install Claude Code

In PowerShell, type:

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

Wait for the installation to complete.

Step 4: Launch Claude Code

Type:

claude

Log in with your Anthropic account when prompted.

Step 5: Start Building

Same as Mac — just type what you want to build and Claude Code creates it.


Your First Project — Try This

Once Claude Code is running, try this exact prompt:

"Build me a landing page for my business. My business is called [YOUR NAME]. I offer [YOUR SERVICE] in [YOUR CITY]. Make it bilingual English and Spanish. Include a contact form, my phone number, and make it look professional."

In less than 5 minutes, you'll have a working website. Not a mockup. Not a wireframe. A real, deployable website.

That's the power we use every day at Gugubrand. And now it's in your hands.


Common Issues (And Quick Fixes)

"command not found: claude" — Close your terminal and open it again. If it still doesn't work, run the install command again.

"permission denied" — On Mac, add "sudo" before the command: sudo npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code. On Windows, make sure you opened PowerShell as Administrator.

"npm not found" — Node.js didn't install correctly. Go back to Step 2 and try again.

The login link doesn't open — Copy the URL manually and paste it in your browser.


What Can You Build With Claude Code?

Everything we built at Gugubrand was through this tool:

  • Websites with video backgrounds and animations
  • AI chatbots that answer customer questions
  • Mortgage calculators and interactive tools
  • Google Analytics integration
  • SEO optimization and Schema.org structured data
  • Bilingual content in English and Spanish
  • Google OAuth authentication
  • Form submissions to Google Sheets

The limit is your imagination, not your technical skill.


Want Us to Build It For You?

Not everyone wants to learn a new tool — and that's perfectly fine. That's why Gugubrand exists.

We use Claude Code and other AI tools every day to build professional websites for small businesses. If you'd rather focus on running your business while we handle the technology, we're here.

Websites starting at $500. Live in 24 hours. Bilingual. AI-powered.

Your first step is a 5-minute conversation: Start your onboarding

Or call us directly: (908) 812-9503

Ready to build your website?

Use the same technology and process that built this site. Your website live in hours.

Get started now