Claude Code

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4.8 (421)

About

Claude Code is Anthropic's coding agent, available in the terminal, VS Code, JetBrains, on the web and as a desktop app. Powered by the latest Claude models, it explores your codebase, writes and fixes code across multiple files, runs tests and opens pull requests on GitHub. With parallel subagents, hooks and a growing plugin ecosystem, it has become a go-to choice for delegating complex development tasks end to end.

Key features

Autonomous agent that explores the codebase, edits multiple files, runs tests and fixes errors
Available in the terminal, VS Code, JetBrains, as a desktop app and on the web via claude.ai/code
Parallel subagents, hooks, skills and plugins to customize and automate your workflows
GitHub and GitLab integration: reading issues, creating branches and pull requests
MCP protocol support for connecting external tools and data sources

Use cases

Build new features from a simple natural-language descriptionDebug and fix errors by letting the agent run the tests until they passRefactor or migrate large codebases across multiple filesAutomate code reviews and pull request creation on GitHubGet up to speed on an unfamiliar project through autonomous codebase exploration

How to use it

Install the CLI (via npm or the native installer) or the VS Code/JetBrains extension, then run "claude" in your project folder and sign in with a Claude Pro/Max account or an API key. From there, describe your task in natural language: the agent analyzes the code, proposes changes and asks for your approval before running sensitive commands. A web version is also available at claude.ai/code.

Pricing

Pro

$20 per month ($17 per month billed annually)
Claude Code included in the terminal, IDEs and on the web
Usage quotas shared with the Claude chatbot, suited to regular use

Max

$100 or $200 per month depending on the tier (5x or 20x)
Significantly higher quotas for heavy, daily use
Higher output limits and early access to new features

API (pay-as-you-go)

Per-token billing based on Anthropic API rates
No subscription required, via a key created in the Anthropic Console
Well suited to occasional use and CI/CD integration

Prices are indicative and may change — check the official site for up-to-date pricing.

Frequently asked questions

Can you use Claude Code for free?

No. Claude's free tier does not include Claude Code: you need a Claude Pro subscription ($20 per month) or Max, with usage quotas shared with the Claude chatbot. You can also use it without a subscription by paying as you go with an Anthropic API key.

How is it different from GitHub Copilot or Cursor?

Copilot is still focused on in-editor assistance (autocomplete, chat), whereas Claude Code is an autonomous agent: it plans, edits multiple files, runs commands and verifies its own work. Unlike Cursor, it is not a full-fledged IDE, but an agent that plugs into your terminal and your existing editors.

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