AI for Research Efficiency, episode 2.1: Install Claude Code
Narration: an AI-generated voice (ElevenLabs).

[0:00] Claude Code
In a few minutes, Claude Code will be working in your project folder, and you'll know how to keep it in check.
AI for Research Efficiency. Episode 2.1: Install Claude Code.
Last time: a terminal, a project folder, Git and Python, and an account.
In this episode: install Claude Code, sign in, run it in your project folder, and check each step before you speed up.

[0:33] Install
Step one: in PowerShell, paste this line: irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex
On a Mac, use the second line, in Terminal. Both lines are on the companion page.
You don't need administrator rights.

[1:00] Check the version
Step two: close the terminal, open a new one, and type claude --version. You should see a version number.
If PowerShell says claude is not recognized, open another PowerShell window, and try again.

[1:21] Start in your folder
Step three: go into your project folder with cd agent-work, and type claude.
Always start it in a project folder, never in your home folder.

[1:36] Sign in
Step four: the first time, it asks you to pick a text style, then how to sign in: a Claude plan, or an Anthropic Console account for an API key.
Your browser opens. Sign in there, and the terminal says: login successful.

[1:55] Trust the folder
Step five: it reminds you that Claude can make mistakes, and that you're responsible for reviewing what it does.
Then it asks whether you trust this folder. It's your own project folder, so: yes.

[2:12] Check each step
Step six: Claude Code now starts in auto mode, where a second model approves most of its actions. While you learn, press Shift and Tab once, for manual mode.
In manual mode, it stops and asks you before it edits a file, runs a command, or reaches the network.

[2:33] A first question
Step seven: ask it something. What's in this folder?
It reads the notes and the data, and answers in plain words. To open the Word drafts, it needs to run a converter: that's a command, so it asks you first.

[2:55] Speed up
Step eight: when you trust it with a task, press Shift and Tab until the status line says auto mode. It works without stopping, and much faster.
Anthropic's own advice: auto mode reduces permission prompts, but it doesn't guarantee safety.

[3:14] Try it
Pause now: install Claude Code, open a new terminal, and check the version.

[3:24] Review and next
So: one line to install, a new terminal, your project folder, sign in, trust the folder, manual mode first, then auto mode when you trust it.
Next: a worked example. Agents read a whole literature folder in parallel, and check every claim.