Claude Code secrets that every developer should know

magine coding in your favorite terminal, seamlessly integrating AI-powered assistance into your workflow without switching tools or IDEs.

That’s the promise of Claude Code, a groundbreaking tool from Anthropic that’s redefining how developers write, review, and manage code. In a recent conversation, Boris Cherny, a key figure behind Claude Code, shared insights into its origins, functionality, and transformative potential.

This blog post, aimed at developers, distills those insights to help you understand why Claude Code is a game-changer and how you can leverage it in your projects.

What is Claude Code?

Claude Code is an AI-powered, terminal-based coding assistant designed to work wherever you do. Whether you’re a Vim purist, a VS Code enthusiast, or a Zed user, Claude Code integrates into your existing stack without requiring new tools or websites.

As Boris explains, “It’s agentic coding in the terminal… it works wherever you work.”

This universality stems from Anthropic’s diverse engineering team, who use varied stacks and needed a flexible, powerful solution. The terminal, being the most universal interface, became the natural choice, allowing rapid iteration and a simple, intuitive experience.

Getting Started with Claude Code

Setting up Claude Code is straightforward:

Install via NPM: Run npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code. You’ll need Node.js installed, but most developers already have it.

Run Claude: Type claude in your terminal and hit enter. The tool guides you through the setup, making it accessible even for new developers.

Integrate with Your Workflow: Claude Code works in any terminal—iTerm2, Apple Terminal, SSH sessions, or even TMUX. For enhanced functionality, run it within an IDE like VS Code to see file edits directly in the editor, leveraging IDE signals for smarter code suggestions.

Boris highlights its ease: “You just type Claude into the terminal, hit enter, and it’ll guide you through the rest of the process.”

Community Response: A Productivity Powerhouse

Since its release in February 2025, Claude Code has taken the developer community by storm. Initially an internal tool at Anthropic, it became a hit when daily active user (DAU) charts spiked vertically among employees.

External beta testers echoed this enthusiasm, confirming its value. Boris notes, “It makes people more productive, and people like it.”

The decision to release it publicly was driven by this overwhelming response, proving Claude Code’s ability to enhance workflows across diverse teams.

Who is Claude Code For?

Claude Code is ideal for:

Enterprise Developers: It excels with large codebases, requiring no indexing or setup. Just run it, and it handles complex projects in any language.

Serious Coders: While hobbyists can try it with a $5 API key, professional use typically costs $50-$200/month, depending on usage. Enterprises benefit from its scalability.

Claude Max Subscribers: For $100-$200/month, Claude Max offers near-unlimited Claude Code usage, eliminating rate limit concerns and unifying it with your Claude.ai account.

Boris emphasizes its enterprise fit: “It’s amazing at big code bases… it works outta the box for pretty much every big code base in any language.”

The Claude Code Experience

Once you type claude in your terminal, the tool springs into action. Unlike traditional coding assistants that complete lines, Claude Code is “super, duper agentic.” It understands your query, explores your codebase using tools like Dash, reads files for context, and makes precise edits.

For example, you can @mention Claude in GitHub issues or PRs to fix bugs or write tests, transforming it into an on-demand programmer. Boris shares, “Instead of asking a coworker, ‘Hey, can you fix this?’ I’ll just say, ‘Hey @Claude, fix this thing,’ and it’ll fix it.”

How Claude Code is Evolving Software Engineering

Claude Code represents a shift from handwriting code to orchestrating AI agents. Boris reflects on programming’s evolution—from punch cards in the 1940s to modern prompts: “You deal with prompts, and the model figures out the coding part.” With Claude 4 models (like Sonnet and Opus) powering Claude Code, it’s more capable than ever.

Opus, for instance, can write unit tests perfectly in one shot, reducing manual effort. This shift means developers focus on reviewing and guiding AI, not writing every line.

Boris predicts, “More and more programming will be about orchestrating agents… these windows where you have to hand write code will keep receding.”

Workflows with Claude Code

Boris describes two main workflows:

Simple Tasks: For quick fixes or tests, @mention

Claude in GitHub issues or run it in a terminal tab with auto-accept mode (shift-enter). You’ll get a notification when it’s done.Complex Tasks: For intricate work, run Claude in your IDE terminal. If it gets stuck, tweak the code manually in the IDE. This hybrid approach balances AI automation with human oversight.

Tips and Tricks for Power User

To maximize Claude Code’s potential, Boris shares these strategies:

Plan Before Coding: Ask Claude to brainstorm and outline a plan before coding. For example, say, “Here’s the problem. Make a list of approaches and don’t write code yet.” Review the options, combine the best ones, and then let Claude code.

Use Extended Thinking: Have Claude read files first, then pause to think and brainstorm. This interleaved approach—reading, thinking, coding—mimics human problem-solving and improves results.

Calibrate Expectations: Start with simpler tasks to learn what Claude can one-shot versus what requires iteration. As models improve (e.g., with Claude 4), revisit your assumptions about its capabilities.

What’s Next for Claude Code?

With Claude 4 models, Claude Code is more intuitive and capable, sticking to instructions and handling complex tasks with ease. Its integration with GitHub Actions—where you can @Claude to work in the background and create PRs—hints at a future where AI acts like a collaborative teammate.

As Boris puts it, “It’s the beginning of interacting with a model like you would with a fellow programmer.”