IDE Setup
Recommended IDE
We recommend using Visual Studio Code for the best experience.
Using Claude
You have two ways to work with Claude. Pick the one that fits your workflow.
Option 1: Claude Code (recommended)
Run Claude Code directly from the terminal — no editor extension needed. It works inside the VS Code integrated terminal (Ctrl+`) or any standalone terminal.
# Start Claude Code in your project directory
claudeClaude Code reads and edits files in your working directory, runs commands, and manages the MCP servers configured by the installer. Keep VS Code open for browsing and editing, and let Claude Code handle the AI-assisted work from the terminal.
Option 2: Claude Desktop
If you prefer a chat-style app outside the terminal, use the Claude Desktop app. It supports MCP servers and is a good fit for research, brainstorming, and longer conversations.