Claude Code
Claude Code lets you build, debug, and ship software with Anthropic's Claude agent directly in your terminal, IDE, browser, Slack, or mobile apps. It reads your repository, edits multiple files, runs CLI commands, opens pull requests through GitHub or GitLab, and explains unfamiliar codebases without you hand-picking context files.
Unlike chat-only assistants that suggest snippets you paste manually, Claude Code operates as an agent inside your workflow. It supports VS Code, Cursor, JetBrains, parallel subagent workflows, scheduled routines, and computer use that opens local apps and browsers. That agentic loop is the gap most IDE copilots still leave for multi-file refactors and test runs.
Software engineers use Claude Code for onboarding to legacy repos, turning GitHub issues into PRs, and parallel feature work across terminal sessions. Pro at $20 per month suits small codebases, while Max 5x at $100 and Max 20x at $200 target heavier daily usage on larger projects.
Runs in terminal on macOS, Linux, and Windows with install via curl script
Native extensions for VS Code, Cursor, JetBrains, plus Slack and mobile clients
Agentic search maps entire codebases for onboarding without manual file selection
Dynamic workflows spawn dozens to hundreds of parallel subagents with verification steps
Included with Claude Pro at $20 per month or $17 per month on annual billing
Max 20x plan at $200 per month for power users on the largest Claude Code limits
Agentic terminal workflow edits multiple files and runs tests without copy-paste.
Works across terminal, VS Code, JetBrains, Slack, web, and mobile from one subscription.
GitHub and GitLab integration covers issue triage through pull request submission.
Parallel subagent workflows handle large refactors with built-in verification.
Codebase onboarding explains project structure in seconds via agentic search.
Requires a paid Claude Pro or Max subscription; there is no standalone free tier for Claude Code.
Usage limits vary by plan and Anthropic can change pricing at its discretion.
Computer use and advanced routines need the latest Claude models and may not suit all environments.
What is Claude Code?
Claude Code is Anthropic's agentic coding tool that works in your terminal, IDE, browser, Slack, and mobile apps. It reads your codebase, edits files, runs commands, and can submit pull requests through GitHub or GitLab integrations.
How much does Claude Code cost?
Claude Code is included with Claude subscription plans. Pro costs $20 per month or $17 per month when billed annually at $200 up front. Max 5x is $100 per month and Max 20x is $200 per month with higher usage limits.
Which IDEs support Claude Code?
Claude Code offers native extensions for VS Code (including Cursor and Devin Desktop) and JetBrains IDEs. You can also start sessions from the terminal, web browser, iOS, Android, or Slack.
Can Claude Code create pull requests?
Yes. Claude Code integrates with GitHub and GitLab to read issues, write code, run tests, and submit pull requests from your terminal. Anthropic documents this as a full issue-to-PR workflow without switching tools.
What operating systems run Claude Code?
Claude Code is available for macOS, Linux, and Windows according to the product page. Install from the terminal with the published curl install script or use IDE extensions instead.
What are Claude Code routines?
Routines let you configure a Claude Code task once and trigger it on a schedule, from an API call, or in response to an event. Anthropic positions routines alongside agent view and parallel subagent workflows in recent feature updates.

