Claude Code is your AI coding partner. You describe what you want to build in plain English, and it writes the code, runs commands, and manages your project. It's the core tool for the hackathon.
Quick install: npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code (requires Node.js)
You need Node.js & npm installed first. See the Node.js guide if you haven't done that yet.
You also need an active Claude Max subscription ($200/mo) from claude.ai.
The install process is the same on both platforms.
Open your terminal and run:
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-codeOn Mac, if you get a permission error, run:
sudo npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-codeclaudeA browser window will open asking you to sign in with your Anthropic account.
- Sign in with the account that has a Claude Max subscription
- Approve the connection in your browser
- Return to the terminal — you should see Claude Code's prompt ready for input
Ask Claude Code a quick question to make sure it's working:
What version of Node am I running?
It should read your system info and respond with your Node.js version.
You can also check the version from outside Claude Code:
claude --versionOnce it's running, just type what you want in plain English:
"Create a new page called Dashboard with a list of items from the database""Fix the error I'm seeing when I try to log in""Add a button that lets users upload a profile photo""Deploy this to Vercel"
Claude Code reads your project files, writes code, runs terminal commands, and explains what it's doing along the way.
This project includes custom slash commands that give Claude Code specific instructions:
| Command | What It Does |
|---|---|
/plan |
Turn your idea into a requirements + build plan |
/build |
Execute the plan step by step |
/add-table |
Add a new database table/model |
/add-ai |
Add an AI feature (image gen, text gen, chat) |
/fix |
Debug and fix the current error |
/deploy |
Commit, push, and deploy |
/help |
Show all available commands |
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
claude: command not found |
Restart your terminal. If it still doesn't work, reinstall: npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code |
| Authentication fails | Make sure you have an active Claude Max subscription. Try claude logout then claude again. |
| "npm EACCES" permission error (Mac) | Use sudo npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code |
| Claude Code is slow or unresponsive | Check your internet connection. Claude Code requires an active connection to work. |
| "This model requires a Max subscription" | Upgrade to Claude Max at claude.ai/settings |