Claude Code Workshop

Claude Code is Anthropic’s official command-line interface that enables AI-assisted coding directly within your terminal. After installing via npm install -g claude-code, you navigate to your project directory and run commands in natural language. Claude Code uses full context across your entire codebase to modify existing files or generate new ones, ensuring consistent, project-focused output each time.

Claude Code excels in diverse workflows: refactoring legacy code, generating unit tests, producing comprehensive documentation, and analyzing complex data structures. For instance, you can ask it to build a REST endpoint, mirror database schemas, or draft debugging reports. Its compatibility with nearly all programming languages and frameworks makes it valuable for both web development and data engineering teams.

Even without prior coding experience, beginners can dive in quickly. Install the CLI, open an empty project folder, and run a command like claude "create a hello world file in Python". Claude Code will generate the file along with explanatory comments. To build confidence, use Plan Mode first, which outlines each step of the task before applying any changes.

Plan Mode instructs Claude Code to produce a detailed plan or step-by-step list of actions based on your prompt, without immediately altering any files. This preview allows you to review and adjust the proposed approach. Auto Plan Mode enforces this planning phase automatically for potentially risky operations, safeguarding against unintended modifications and enhancing security in collaborative settings.

API users can track real-time token consumption and costs through the Anthropic Console. CLI users can install the CC Usage tool (npx ccusage@latest), which generates per-project reports on tokens used, prompts issued, and estimated expenses. You can also configure alerts to notify you when predefined usage thresholds are reached, helping you manage your budget effectively.

Claude Code leverages a range of models: the Sonnet series for standard coding and text tasks, and the Opus series, especially in UltraThink mode, for advanced reasoning. UltraThink expands the context window and employs multilayer strategies, making it ideal for large codebases or complex algorithmic problems that require deep, multi-step logic.

Team integration is straightforward via shared API keys or enterprise subscriptions. The claude config command lets you define access controls, such as write, read-only, or plan-approval permissions. By maintaining a shared library of prompts and templates, teams ensure consistent output quality and minimize fragmented knowledge across different developers.