anthropics /
claude-code
Terminal coding assistant that reads your codebase and takes plain-English commands
- 152.9k stars
- 4k stars since 3 Oct
- TypeScript
- Updated today
- Beginner friendly
- Coding agents & dev tools
Coding is full of small chores: finding where something lives, making similar changes across files, writing commit messages, working out what unfamiliar code does. Claude Code takes these on through requests you type in plain language.
You install it, move into a project folder and run claude. From there it can look at your codebase, explain parts of it, carry out routine tasks and handle git workflows. The README says you can also use it in your IDE or tag @claude on GitHub.
The README doesn't compare it with other tools. What it stresses is the terminal-first setup and the way it works on your existing project. The repo also includes plugins that add custom commands and agents, and the full docs live on a separate site.
What it does
Terminal-based agent
Runs in your terminal and takes natural-language commands, so you stay in your normal workflow.
Understands your codebase
Works from the project you start it in, so it can explain complex code and carry out routine tasks.
Git workflow help
Handles git workflows from plain-language requests.
Terminal, IDE and GitHub
Use it in the terminal or an IDE, or tag @claude on GitHub.
Plugins
The repo includes plugins that add custom commands and agents, documented in the plugins directory.
What you could build
- Ask it to explain an unfamiliar part of a codebase you have just joined.
- Hand off routine edits and repetitive tasks by describing them in plain English.
- Let it handle git steps such as everyday workflow tasks from the command line.
- Tag @claude on GitHub to get help from within a repository.
- Extend it with plugins that add your own commands and agents.
Get started
Install it with the recommended command for your system, then go to your project directory and run claude. The README marks npm installation as deprecated and points to the setup docs for other options.
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bashbrew install --cask claude-codeirm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iexCommands are copied from the project's README. Read it on GitHub for the full setup.
Anything better than claude-code?
Claude Code is the strongest pick for a Claude-native terminal coding agent, with the most stars, active commits and first-party support. Look elsewhere only if you want to avoid Anthropic's models or pricing, or want an open-source agent.
-
opencodeAlternative
Pick it if you want an open-source terminal agent that isn't tied to one vendor, with a read-only plan mode and a beta desktop app.
Trade-off: You lose Anthropic's first-party integration, and the desktop app is still beta.
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openclaudeAlternative
Pick it if you want a Claude Code-style terminal workflow running on OpenAI-compatible APIs, Gemini or local Ollama models.
Trade-off: It is a third-party project and less mature, so expect rougher edges than the official tool.
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free-claude-codeUse alongside
Use it with Claude Code to point the agent at free, cheap or local models from many providers, which cuts the cost.
Trade-off: Output quality and tool-use reliability depend on the model you choose, and you add a proxy to maintain.
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awesome-claude-codeUse alongside
Use it to find skills, plugins, status lines and guides that extend Claude Code once you have it running.
Trade-off: It is a list only, so you must vet and install each item yourself.
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