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Updated Sep 2026
GuideBeginner

Setup Your Workspace

Install everything you need to start building: an editor, Node.js, Git, and Claude Code. About 30 minutes, once, and you're set for every project after.

What You'll Install

An editor

VS Code, Cursor, or similar

Node.js 24

JavaScript runtime (Active LTS)

Git

Version control

Claude Code

Your AI pair programmer

On Windows? Pick your lane first

Native Windows works. Next.js supports Windows, and Claude Code has a native PowerShell installer. If you're just starting, this is the simplest path: follow the Windows instructions below and use PowerShell or Windows Terminal.

WSL is the power-user option. The Windows Subsystem for Linux gives you a real Linux environment, so Mac/Linux tutorials (and most AI-generated shell commands) work unchanged. Install it from an admin PowerShell, reboot, then do every step below inside the Ubuntu terminal using the macOS/Linux instructions:

PowerShell (as Administrator)

wsl --install

Don't mix the two: if you use WSL, keep your projects inside the Linux file system (for example ~/projects), not on C:\, or file watching and installs get slow.

1

Install a Code Editor

Any modern editor works. Two popular choices for vibe coders:

VS Code

Free, fast, huge extension ecosystem. The safe default.

Download VS Code

Cursor

Cursor

An AI-first code editor built on VS Code, with chat, agents, and codebase-aware completions built in. It lets you choose between models from several AI providers, and runs cloud agents (formerly called background agents) that work on your repo remotely.

"Like VS Code with an AI copilot built in. Not an extension — the whole IDE is AI-aware."

A VS Code fork with AI built in. It can import your VS Code extensions and settings.

Get Cursor

Not sure which? Start with VS Code. Claude Code runs in the terminal, so it works with whatever editor you pick—see AI Tools for the wider landscape.

During Installation (Windows)

  • ✓ Check "Add to PATH" (lets you open the editor from the terminal)
  • ✓ Check "Add 'Open with Code' action" (right-click folders to open)

Recommended extensions:

  • • ESLint — catches code errors
  • • Prettier — auto-formats your code
  • • Tailwind CSS IntelliSense — autocomplete for Tailwind classes
  • • Claude Code (anthropic.claude-code) — runs Claude inside the editor. Needs VS Code 1.94+, and also installs in Cursor and other VS Code forks.
2

Install Node.js 24 (LTS)

Node.js

Node.js

A runtime that lets you run JavaScript outside of a web browser. It's the engine that powers most modern dev tools, including Claude Code.

"Like installing a game console. You need the console (Node) before you can play any games (run tools)."

lets you run JavaScript outside the browser. Next.js, npm, and most modern web tools need it. Install Node 24, the current Active LTS. Node 18 and 20 are end-of-life, and Next.js 16 won't run on anything older than 20.9.

Option A: Official installer (simplest)

Download Node.js (LTS)

Pick the version labelled LTS. Avoid "Current" unless you know why you want it.

Option B: A version manager (recommended if you'll juggle projects)

A version manager lets you switch Node versions per project and avoids permission headaches. Use nvm on macOS, Linux, or WSL, or fnm (works on Windows too). Install one following its README, then:

Terminal (nvm)

nvm install 24
nvm use 24

Terminal (fnm)

fnm install 24
fnm use 24

Pro move: drop a file named .nvmrc containing 24 in each project so everyone (including Claude) uses the same version. Vercel also defaults to Node 24 for new deployments, so your laptop matches production.

Verify it worked

Open a new terminal and run:

Terminal

node -v
npm -v

You should see v24.x.x and an npm version number.

3

Install Git

Git

Git

A version control system that tracks changes to your code. It lets you save snapshots, undo mistakes, and collaborate with others.

"Like Google Docs history on steroids. You can see every change ever made and go back in time."

tracks every change to your code so you can undo mistakes (including the AI's). Vercel deploys from Git, too.

Download Git

On a Mac, running git --version for the first time offers to install Apple's command line tools, which include Git. On WSL/Linux, use your package manager (for Ubuntu: sudo apt install git).

Windows Installation Tips

  • • Use the default options for most prompts
  • • For default editor, choose your editor (e.g. "Use Visual Studio Code")
  • • For PATH, choose "Git from the command line and also from 3rd-party software"

After installation, verify it worked:

Terminal

git --version

Then tell Git who you are (this appears on your commits). Use the same email as your GitHub account so commits link to your profile:

Terminal

git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "your.email@example.com"
git config --global init.defaultBranch main
4

Install Claude Code

Claude Code

Claude Code

Anthropic's agentic coding tool. It lives in your terminal (and in VS Code, JetBrains, and on the web), reads your codebase, edits files, runs commands, and ships code. Install with the native installer (`curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash` on macOS/Linux, `irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex` on Windows); it needs a Pro, Max, Team, Enterprise, or Console account.

"Like having a senior developer living in your terminal, ready to help 24/7."

is the agent that will do most of your typing. The recommended way to install it is the native installer, which auto-updates in the background and doesn't depend on your Node version:

macOS / Linux / WSL

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

Windows PowerShell

irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex

You'll need a Pro, Max, Team, Enterprise, or Console account (the free claude.ai plan doesn't include Claude Code). For logging in, other install methods, and your first session, follow the full Claude Code setup guide.

Skip old tutorials that say npm install -g is the way to install Claude Code. npm still works as an advanced option (it needs Node 22+ and never sudo), but the native installer is what Anthropic recommends now.

5

Verify Everything Works

Open a fresh terminal (or restart your editor) and run:

Terminal

node -v
npm -v
git --version
claude --version
code --version

If they all print version numbers, you're ready!

(code only applies to VS Code. If Claude Code misbehaves, claude doctor runs a read-only diagnostic.)

Workspace Ready!

You've got all the tools you need. Time to build something.

Terminal Cheatsheet

CommandWhat It Does
cd folder-nameChange directory (move into a folder)
cd ..Go up one folder
lsList files in current folder (Mac/Linux/WSL/PowerShell)
dirList files in current folder (Windows CMD)
mkdir folder-nameCreate a new folder
code .Open current folder in VS Code
claudeStart Claude Code in the current folder
clearClear the terminal screen

New to all this? Terminal Basics walks through the ten commands you'll actually use.

Common Issues

"command not found: node" (or claude)

Close and reopen your terminal—new installs only show up in new windows. If it's still broken, reinstall and make sure "Add to PATH" is checked (or that your version manager's setup lines were added to your shell profile).

node -v shows an old version

You probably have two Node installs fighting. With nvm or fnm, run nvm use 24 / fnm use 24. Otherwise uninstall the old one and reinstall the LTS.

"command not found: code"

Open VS Code, press Cmd+Shift+P (Mac) or Ctrl+Shift+P (Windows), type "shell command" and select "Install 'code' command in PATH".

"git is not recognized"

Open a new terminal (or restart). If still broken, reinstall and choose "Git from the command line" during setup.

Permission errors on Mac/Linux

Don't use sudo with npm. Switch to a version manager (nvm or fnm), which installs Node in your home folder so global installs never need admin rights.

Next Steps

Create Your First App

Build a Next.js app from scratch in 15 minutes.

Start Guide

Finish Claude Code Setup

Log in, run your first session, and learn the key commands.

Start Guide

Learn Git Basics

Commits, branches, and the safety net for AI edits.

Read Playbook

Terminal Basics

Get comfortable in the place Claude Code lives.

Read Playbook