This is pretty common to have different options to install binaries and I assume part of the reason why they do have the second option is to gear towards to non-developers or those unfamiliar with nodejs. Most developers familiar with nodejs would use option 1, `npm install` is as easy as it gets. Usually with nodejs, developers work in many different projects with many nodejs versions. So it's common to manage multiple nodejs environments (with something like nvm or asdf). This is how we avoid installing packages in system folders (which requires sudo). I encourage you to ask Claude honestly, you'll get some pretty good answers. Everything is done in good intentions. Answer from sirneb on reddit.com
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Claude
code.claude.com › docs › en › setup
Set up Claude Code - Claude Code Docs
Install, authenticate, and start using Claude Code on your development machine. ... Operating Systems: macOS 10.15+, Ubuntu 20.04+/Debian 10+, or Windows 10+ (with WSL 1, WSL 2, or Git for Windows) ... Some users may be automatically migrated to an improved installation method.
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Substack
designwithai.substack.com › p › how-to-install-claude-code
How to install Claude Code - Design with AI
October 2, 2025 - Guide to installing Claude Code: Simple steps, troubleshooting tips, and solutions if you run into errors.
Discussions

New to Claude Code - why are there 3 different ways to install this thing?
This is pretty common to have different options to install binaries and I assume part of the reason why they do have the second option is to gear towards to non-developers or those unfamiliar with nodejs. Most developers familiar with nodejs would use option 1, `npm install` is as easy as it gets. Usually with nodejs, developers work in many different projects with many nodejs versions. So it's common to manage multiple nodejs environments (with something like nvm or asdf). This is how we avoid installing packages in system folders (which requires sudo). I encourage you to ask Claude honestly, you'll get some pretty good answers. Everything is done in good intentions. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/ClaudeAI
8
5
August 27, 2025
How to Install and Use Claude Code, Maybe the Best AI Coding Tool Right Now?
I think better comparison would be something like aider. How does it compare with it? More on reddit.com
🌐 r/ChatGPTCoding
37
61
February 26, 2025
"Claude Code is not supported on Windows." WTF
Yeah, it is not supported natively. Use it via WSL if you want to. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/ClaudeAI
59
31
April 1, 2025
Can someone help me actually install Code and get it working in VS Code?
This might be related to my issue https://github.com/anthropics/claude-code/issues/6090 More on reddit.com
🌐 r/ClaudeAI
10
4
August 29, 2025
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Medium
medium.com › @lvalics_37568 › setting-up-claude-code-on-windows-macos-449eed161e10
Setting up Claude Code on Windows & macOS | by Valics Lehel | Medium
June 20, 2025 - Part 4 — Goal: by the end of this guide you’ll have the Claude Code CLI running, authenticated, and ready to chat with your repo. Note: I assume you’re comfortable with basic command-line work — even if you prefer point-and-click tools. ... Reboot when prompted, then choose Ubuntu 22.04 LTS from the Microsoft Store. ... curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.7/install.sh | bash source ~/.bashrc nvm install --lts nvm use --lts
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Bind AI IDE
blog.getbind.co › 2025 › 08 › 26 › how-to-install-claude-code-cli
How to Install Claude Code CLI – Bind AI IDE
August 27, 2025 - This script auto-downloads and installs the latest stable release of Claude Code CLI. To install the latest version or a specific release, append arguments: ... These commands will confirm a successful setup and check for required dependencies. macOS users, thanks to robust Unix tooling and first-class support, can expect a seamless experience with Claude Code CLI—empowering faster, smarter, AI-driven development directly from their Mac.
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npm
npmjs.com › package › @anthropic-ai › claude-code
@anthropic-ai/claude-code - npm
2 days ago - Start using @anthropic-ai/claude-code in your project by running `npm i @anthropic-ai/claude-code`. There are 179 other projects in the npm registry using @anthropic-ai/claude-code.
      » npm install @anthropic-ai/claude-code
    
Published   Dec 22, 2025
Version   2.0.76
Author   Anthropic
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/claudeai › new to claude code - why are there 3 different ways to install this thing?
r/ClaudeAI on Reddit: New to Claude Code - why are there 3 different ways to install this thing?
August 27, 2025 -

Hey everyone, I'm new to Claude Code and just spent an hour in installation hell. I'm on a Mac

So apparently, there are THREE ways to install this:

  1. npm install: npm install -g u/anthropic-ai/claude-code

    • Docs say this is "standard installation"

    • Gets a permission denied error

    • Docs then warn "DO NOT use sudo"

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

    • Called "beta" but actually works

    • Buried in a random troubleshooting article

    • Installs to ~/.local/bin (need to fix PATH)

  3. sudo npm: sudo npm install -g u/anthropic-ai/claude-code

    • What actually makes npm work

    • But docs specifically say DON'T do this

    • "Security risks" apparently

How did you all install this?
Also, why do they recommend npm when they literally have a note saying "Claude Code has a native installation that doesn't depend on npm" - THEN MAKE THAT THE DEFAULT??

I'm not even mad, this is hilarious. Just want to know if I'm missing something obvious here

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Micro
novistopheles.micro.blog › 2025 › 10 › 21 › installing-claude-codeedited.html
Installing Claude Code | Novistopheles
October 21, 2025 - If you need to install Node.js on your Mac, you might use Homebrew or download from nodejs.org. For example, type the following in your Terminal: ... You want Node ≥ 20. ... On first run, you’ll be prompted to login/authenticate with your ...
Find elsewhere
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MacPaw
macpaw.com › how to › optimization › apps
How to install Claude Code on Mac step by step
3 weeks ago - If you don't edit files at all, you can skip this and just use the Claude Desktop app. ... Open Visual Studio Code or download it here. Go to Extensions, search for Claude Code, and click Install.
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Substack
cannonballgtm.substack.com › p › claude-code-mac-setup-guide-crunch
Claude Code Mac Setup Guide - Crunch Unlimited Data Locally
October 19, 2025 - Just the straightforward path from zero to crunching unlimited data on your Mac. Time needed: About 10 minutes for me, 30 for Doug What you’ll get: Claude Code running locally, ready to analyze datasets that would cost you $500+ in API credits Current as of: October 19, 2025
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ClaudeLog
claudelog.com › home › faqs › download claude code for mac
Download Claude Code for Mac | ClaudeLog
November 11, 2025 - Download Claude Code for Mac: Native installer via curl script or Homebrew. Requires macOS 10.15+. No Node.js required for native installation.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/chatgptcoding › how to install and use claude code, maybe the best ai coding tool right now?
r/ChatGPTCoding on Reddit: How to Install and Use Claude Code, Maybe the Best AI Coding Tool Right Now?
February 26, 2025 -

Hey everyone,

Since Claude Code has been around for a while now and many of us are already familiar with Claude Sonnet 3.7, I wanted to share a quick step-by-step guide for those who haven’t had time to explore it yet.

This guide sums up everything you need to know about Claude Code, including:

  • How to install and set it up

  • The benefits and when to use it

  • A demo of its capabilities in action

  • Some Claude Code essential commands

I think Claude Code is a better alternative to coding assistants like Cursor and Bolt, especially for developers who want an AI that really understands the entire codebase instead of just suggesting lines.

https://medium.com/p/how-to-install-and-use-claude-code-the-new-agentic-coding-tool-d03fd7f677bc?source=social.tw

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YouTube
youtube.com › watch
How To Install Claude Code On Mac - YouTube
Description:In this tutorial, you will learn how to install and run the AI Coding Assistant, Claude Code, on a Mac computer.In this tutorial, you'll learn:* ...
Published   August 20, 2025
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Mike Murphy Co
mikemurphy.co › home › how to install claude code on mac
How To Install Claude Code On Mac - Mike Murphy Co
August 20, 2025 - 00:56 Claude Pricing Plans 01:16 Is Claude Code Too Technical For Me? 01:42 Step 1: Prerequisites_System Requirements 02:53 Node.js Confirmation & Install 03:25 Download & Install Node.js 04:11 Step 2: Install Claude Code Snippet 04:40 Verify Claude Code Installation 05:09 Claude Doctor 05:30 Terminal Keyboard Shortcuts (Clear) 05:57 Step 3:Run Claude Code & Authenticate 06:25 Select Login Method 06:44 Claude Terminal Setup Optimization 07:36 Help & Exit Claude Code 07:59 Step 4: Get Starting Using Claude Code 08:34 Navigate To Claude Demo (cd) 09:16 Change Directory Demo (cd) 10:20 pwd (Print Working Directory) 10:56 Shortcut: New Folder at Terminal 11:18 Run Claude Code 11:44 Enter Text Prompt 13:03 Making Changes Using Text Prompts 13:57 Exit & End Session
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Claudecode
claudecode.pro › docs › getting-started
Getting Started - Claude Code
Learn how to install and use Claude Code, start your AI programming journey in 5 minutes.
🌐
Claude
claude.com › download
Download Claude | Claude
Claude in Chrome is included as a connector and is ready to use when you enable it. Turn it on in any conversation and Claude can navigate, click, and fill forms in your browser from the Desktop app. Start a task without switching windows. Learn more about Claude in Chrome. Claude desktop app supports standard enterprise deployment with MSIX installers (Windows) and PKG installers (Mac).
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YouTube
youtube.com › watch
How to Install Claude Code (for beginners) - YouTube
Join Ai Foundations: https://www.skool.com/ai-foundationsIn today's guide I show you how to quickly install and use claude code for a total beginner. I'm usi...
Published   July 28, 2025