IDE setup: give it a window

Build-along · ~12 min at your own keyboard

The terminal works, but an IDE gives you eyes: file tree on the left, files in the middle, Claude on the right. Install VS Code and the official Anthropic extension — verified publisher only; unofficial lookalikes have carried malware.

The long version: Claude Code in VS Code ↗

Mac: Mac: after installing the CLI, quit VS Code with Cmd-Q and reopen it so it sees the new PATH.

Windows: Windows: the extension uses the claude command from your PATH. Install it from PowerShell, then close all VS Code windows and reopen.

Do this

0/5

Checkpoints

▸You should now see Claude Code listed as installed, published by Anthropic.
▸You should now see your folder's files in the VS Code file tree.
▸You should now see Claude reading files from the tree as it answers.

The three ways this goes wrong

Two or three extensions come up when you search 'Claude Code'. — Install only the one with the verified Anthropic publisher badge. Uninstall any lookalike.
The Claude panel opens but says it cannot find the claude command. — The CLI is not on the PATH VS Code sees. Complete the install lesson first, then fully quit and reopen VS Code.
Claude describes the wrong folder or says the folder is empty. — You opened a parent or empty folder. Use File > Open Folder and choose the practice folder with your copied files.

Share what happened

Paste: the extension publisher you installed, the practice folder you opened, and two lines of what Claude said about it.

Strip API keys, passwords, and tokens before you paste. Swap them for [KEY].

🔒 Don't paste confidential, personal-health, or payment info.