Install a terminal app

Your computer ships with a default terminal, but you'll outgrow it quickly. Using a modern terminal app makes running Claude Code significantly easier and more productive.

Recommended Terminal Apps

Warp (macOS, Windows, Linux)

Warp is a modern, AI-friendly terminal. It is free and highly recommended for both Mac and Windows users.

• Split panes: Split your screen to read documentation or inspect files while Claude Code works in the other half (Cmd+D or Ctrl+D).
• Command history & auto-complete: Search your past commands instantly.
• Modern editor features: Click anywhere to position your cursor, use selection shortcuts, and copy code with a click.
• Download: warp.dev

Superset (macOS only)

Superset is another excellent, free terminal specialized for multi-project workflows.

• Project groups: Group multiple terminal tabs together under specific client projects.
• Completion notifications: Get notified when Claude finishes a long running background command.
• Download: superset.sh

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Windows Users: Install Git Bash

On Windows, Claude Code runs best through Git Bash, not the standard PowerShell or Command Prompt. Git Bash gives you a Linux-like terminal environment that matches macOS.

1. Go to gitforwindows.org and click the download button.
2. Run the installer. Accept all default settings during the setup wizard.
3. Finish the installation. Git Bash will now appear in your Start menu—this is the app you will open whenever you want to use Claude Code.
4. Tip: If you want a nicer interface, you can install Warp for Windows and configure it to run Git Bash inside it.

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Essential Terminal Shortcuts

The terminal feels keyboard-heavy at first, but a few quick shortcuts will make you feel right at home.

• Drag and drop files/folders: Drag any file or folder from Finder (Mac) or File Explorer (Windows) directly into your terminal window. The full file path will paste automatically.
• Copy and Paste:
  • Mac: Cmd+C to copy, Cmd+V to paste.
  • Windows Git Bash: Right-click inside the terminal window to paste (standard Ctrl+V might not work unless enabled in Git Bash options).
• Command History: Press the Up Arrow to retrieve the last command you ran. Press the Down Arrow to go forward.
• Tab Completion: Start typing a directory or filename and press Tab. The terminal will auto-complete the name, saving you from typos.
• Cancel Running Command: Press Ctrl+C to immediately stop whatever command is currently running. This works inside Claude Code too if it gets stuck.
• Clear Screen: Press Cmd+K (Mac) or Ctrl+L (Windows) to clean up a cluttered screen.

Exercises

1. Install Warp (Mac/Windows) or Superset (Mac). Windows users: ensure you download and install Git for Windows to get Git Bash.
2. Open your new terminal app. Practice drag-and-drop: drag any folder from your desktop into the terminal window to verify the path automatically pastes.
3. Type a command (e.g. git --version), press Enter, and then press the Up Arrow to see if it recalls the command.
4. Type cd D and press Tab to see it auto-complete to directories starting with D (like Desktop).