Setting Up Claude Code in VS Code

Installation

1. Run claude update in your terminal to ensure you have version > 1.0
2. Open VS Code
3. Open the integrated terminal in VS Code
4. Run claude in the terminal - the extension will auto-install

Usage

• Launch Claude interface: Cmd+Esc (Mac) or Ctrl+Esc (Windows/Linux)
• View and apply file diffs directly in editor
• Insert file references: Cmd+Option+K (Mac) or Alt+Ctrl+K (Windows/Linux)
• Selection context is automatically shared with Claude
• Diagnostic errors from the IDE are automatically shared with Claude

Shortcuts

• ! for bash mode
• ? for commands
• @ for file paths
• # to memorize information
• Double tap esc to undo
• Shift + tab to auto-accept edits
• Backslash (\) + Return (↵) for newline

Configuration

• Run `/config` in Claude Code to configure settings
• Set diff tool to `auto` for automatic IDE detection
• Claude Code will use the appropriate viewer based on your IDE

External Terminal Connection

• Use the /ide command after launching Claude Code
• Start Claude from the same directory as your VS Code project root

Troubleshooting

• Ensure the `code` command is available in your PATH
• Use Cmd+Shift+P (Mac) or Ctrl+Shift+P (Windows/Linux) and search for "Shell Command: Install 'code' command in PATH"
• Check that VS Code has permission to install extensions

Documentation