# A practitioner's guide to Claude Code

Claude Code is Anthropic's CLI for using Claude as a coding partner in your terminal. This is a short, opinionated orientation from people who use it every day. Independent; not affiliated with Anthropic.

## What Claude Code actually is

Claude Code runs Claude inside your working directory. It reads files, proposes edits, executes commands you approve, and iterates. Think of it as a senior engineer you can pair with on any repository, not a chat window bolted onto your editor.

## Setting it up

Follow Anthropic's current install steps for the CLI, sign in, and open it from the root of a real project. A minimal starting posture that holds up:

- Start each session with a clear, bounded objective.
- Keep the repository clean so diffs stay readable.
- Review every proposed edit before accepting.
- Commit in small, meaningful chunks.

## Habits that separate serious practice

The gap between casual use and serious practice is workflow, not model quality. Practitioners who ship keep sessions scoped, write down what worked, maintain a personal library of prompts and skills, and pair regularly with someone further along.

## The CCCA credential

The Certified Claude Code Architect (CCCA) is an Anthropic Academy credential issued via Skilljar. Get My Claude Coach is an independent training partner — our coaches help you prepare; the credential itself is not ours to grant.

## FAQ

### What is Claude Code?
Claude Code is Anthropic's command-line interface for using Claude as a coding partner directly inside your terminal and editor.

### How do I install Claude Code?
Install the CLI from Anthropic's official distribution channel, sign in with your Anthropic account, and run it from the root of a repository.

### What is the CCCA credential?
The Certified Claude Code Architect (CCCA) is an Anthropic Academy credential for practitioners who ship serious work with Claude Code.

### How do I get better at Claude Code?
Work on real problems, keep sessions scoped, write down what worked, and get feedback from a practitioner who ships.