Claude Code is an agentic coding tool built by Anthropic. Rather than suggesting the next line, it works like a teammate: you describe a task, and it explores your repository, plans an approach, edits files, runs commands and tests, and keeps going until the job is done or it needs your input.
It runs in your terminal and also integrates with VS Code and JetBrains IDEs, the Claude desktop app, the web and mobile, so you can start a task in one place and review it in another. Claude Code is included with paid Claude plans or can be billed through the Anthropic API.
Key features
- Codebase understanding that searches and reads the files relevant to a task.
- Multi-file edits with diffs you review and approve.
- Command execution to run tests, builds, linters and git.
- Pull requests and GitHub integration to work on issues and review code.
- MCP servers to connect tools like databases, issue trackers and docs.
- Hooks, subagents and custom slash commands to tailor the agent to your workflow.
- Claude Code on the web to run tasks in the cloud from your browser or phone.
Claude Code pricing
| Plan | Price | Claude Code access | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claude Pro | $17/month annual or $20 monthly | Included | Individual developers and smaller projects |
| Claude Max | From $100/month | Included, 5x or 20x Pro usage | Daily heavy use |
| Team Premium seat | $100/seat/month annual ($125 monthly) | Included | Engineering teams |
| Enterprise | $20/seat plus usage at API rates | Included | Large organizations |
| Anthropic API | Pay as you go | Billed per token | Automation and CI use |
The Free Claude plan does not include Claude Code. Standard Team seats do not include Claude Code; Premium seats do.
Our experience using Claude Code
Claude Code is strongest on tasks that touch many files: adding a feature end to end, migrating an API, or writing and fixing tests. Its plans are sensible, it explains what it is doing, and it asks before running risky commands.
Compared with editor-first tools like Cursor and GitHub Copilot, it is less about inline autocomplete and more about delegation. Many developers use both: Copilot or Cursor for typing, Claude Code for bigger jobs.
Who should use Claude Code?
Claude Code suits professional developers, startups and engineering teams who are comfortable reviewing AI changes and want to delegate real tasks. Start with Claude Pro; move to Max if you use it for hours every day.
Claude Code vs alternatives
GitHub Copilot is the most widely used coding assistant and has a free plan. Cursor is an AI-first code editor, now part of the X Subscription. Replit is better for building and hosting apps in the browser without local setup. Claude covers chat and writing on the same subscription.
Compare all AI for Coding tools.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Is Claude Code free?
No. Claude Code needs a paid Claude plan such as Pro, Max, Team Premium or Enterprise, or API billing.
Is Claude Code included in Claude Pro?
Yes. Claude Pro at $17 per month billed annually, or $20 monthly, includes Claude Code.
Where can I use Claude Code?
In your terminal, VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, the Claude desktop app, on the web and on iOS.
Can Claude Code create pull requests?
Yes. It can work with git and GitHub to commit changes and open pull requests for review.
Claude Code or GitHub Copilot?
Copilot is great for inline suggestions inside your editor, while Claude Code is stronger at handling larger, multi-step tasks on its own.
