What is Claude Code?
Claude Code is an AI coding agent from Anthropic. You describe a task in plain language, and it reads the relevant files in your project, plans the change, edits code across files, runs commands and tests, and reports back what it did.
It runs in the terminal as a command-line tool and also works inside IDEs such as VS Code and JetBrains, in a desktop app and on the web. Because it works with your real repository and shell, it suits multi-step work such as fixing a bug end to end, refactoring a module or writing and running tests.
Claude Code key features
- 01
Codebase-aware edits
Searches and reads your project so changes fit the existing structure, then edits multiple files in one task.
- 02
Runs commands and tests
Executes shell commands, builds and test suites, and uses the output to fix what fails, with your permission.
- 03
Git workflows
Can review diffs, write commit messages and help prepare pull requests as part of a task.
- 04
Project memory
A CLAUDE.md file in your repo gives it lasting instructions such as conventions, commands and do-not-touch areas.
- 05
Extensible with MCP
Connects to external tools and data sources through the Model Context Protocol, plus hooks and custom commands.
Is Claude Code right for you?
Best for
- Developers who work in the terminal and want an agent that can run real commands
- Multi-file changes, refactors and bug fixes in an existing codebase
- Teams already using Claude plans who want coding in the same subscription
Things to consider
- There is no free access: you need a paid Claude plan or API usage.
- Agentic edits move fast, so review diffs and keep permission prompts on for risky commands.
- Usage limits depend on your plan; heavy daily use usually needs a higher tier.
Claude Code pricing
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Not included | The Claude Free plan does not include Claude Code. |
| Pro | $20/month | $17/month when billed annually. |
| Max | From $100/month | Higher usage limits. |
| Team and Enterprise | Per seat | Seats with Claude Code access for organisations. |
| API | Pay as you go | Billed by usage through a Claude Console account. |
Checked on 22 Oct 2026 against the official pricing page ↗. Prices can change, so confirm before you buy.
How to get started with Claude Code
- Choose a Claude plan that includes Claude Code, or set up a Claude Console account for API billing.
- Install Claude Code by following the quickstart in the official documentation.
- Open your project folder in a terminal, start Claude Code and sign in.
- Ask it to explain the codebase first, then give it a small, well-defined task and review the diff.
Claude Code alternatives
OpenAI Codex
by OpenAI
OpenAI's coding agent that writes, reviews and refactors code from a CLI, desktop app, IDE extension or the web.
- Included with ChatGPT plans, including Free (limited). Plus $20/month; Pro from $100/month; also usable with an API key.
- Checked 22 Oct 2026
GitHub Copilot
by GitHub
GitHub's AI pair programmer for completions, chat and coding agents inside your editor, the CLI and GitHub.
- Free plan available. Pro $10/month; Business $19/user/month.
- Checked 22 Oct 2026
Devin
by Cognition
An autonomous AI software engineer from Cognition that runs coding tasks as parallel cloud agents and via a desktop app.
- Free plan available. Pro $20/month; Max $200/month.
- Checked 22 Oct 2026
Claude Code FAQ
Is Claude Code free?
No. Claude Code is not part of the Claude Free plan. It is included with Claude Pro and higher plans, or you can pay per use through the API.
Does Claude Code work in VS Code?
Yes. Besides the terminal, Claude Code works inside VS Code and JetBrains IDEs, so you can review its changes in your editor.
What is the difference between Claude Code and Claude?
Claude is the chat assistant. Claude Code is the coding agent built on Claude that works directly with your files, terminal and repository.